Irritable Bowel Syndrome Medicine

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Medication, Treatments, And Diet Tips

Irritable bowel syndrome medication is just one of the treatments for irritable bowel syndrome your doctor can use to treat this distressing colon condition. But it is the one that sometimes brings the quickest results from IBS symptoms, even though it's not always the best long term solution. Other irritable bowl syndrome treatments include lifestyle changes: healthier diet, exercise, and stress management.

If your doctor decides to begin your treatment regimen with an irritable bowel syndrome medication, the most popular choices include medicines to control diarrhea. Lomotil or loperamide (Imodium) are used often.

IBS is also commonly known as spastic colon, so your doctor may wish to prescribe an antispasmodic to help control colon spasms and relieve abdominal pain.

Antidepressants and antispasmodics may relieve the discomfort caused by some symptoms, but these treatments for irritable bowel syndrome can worsen constipation.

Your physician may also suggest irritable bowel syndrome medication that relaxes muscles in the bladder and intestines, such as Donnapine and Librax. These have a mild sedative which can be habit forming, so they should never be taken without the guidance of your doctor.

Some laxatives can also be habit forming, and should only be taken with the advice of your medical professional.

One irritable bowel syndrome medication that is formulated specifically for the condition is called alosetron hydrochloride or Lotronex. Lotronex should be used cautiously by everyone because of possible side effects like severe constipation. It can also cause less blood to flow to the colon. The US Food and Drug Administration has also placed significant restrictions on its use by women with severe IBS who have not responded to conventional therapy and whose primary symptom is diarrhea.

Irritable bowel syndrome medications don't affect everyone the same way. Your doctor may have to try different combinations to see what works best for you.

Irritable bowel syndrome medicine is not always necessary to reduce symptoms and give you some level of relief. Changing to an irritable bowel syndrome diet can also help.

Before starting such a diet however, be sure to talk to your doctor. You may also want to consult a registered dietician. He or she might help you determine whether certain foods cause IBS flare ups, and you can try eating less of those foods.

Many people with IBS have problems with dairy products. But dairy products are an important source of calcium and other nutrients for some people. If you need find out you need to avoid dairy products as part of your irritable bowel syndrome diet, be sure to get nutrients you need from other foods. You can also take supplements (ask your doctor of dietician about the best choices for you).

Some diets for irritable bowel syndrome call for increasing your fiber intake. This may relieve certain symptoms (especially constipation), but it may not help relieve pain or decrease diarrhea.

Doctors usually recommend a diet for irritable bowel syndrome with enough fiber to produce soft stool that can pass painlessly during bowel movements. But be cautious because high-fiber intake may contribute to gas and bloating. Increasing fiber intake slowly - perhaps two or three grams a day will help lower your chances of suffering from increased gas or bloating.

Staying hydrated is a productive irritable bowel syndrome remedy. If you drink six-to-eight glasses of water every day, you'll find that it helps. You should avoid carbonated beverages, however, because they cause gas and discomfort.

Gulping your drinks, eating too quickly and chewing gum cause you to swallow air, which can also produce a feeling of bloating and gassiness.

Finally, be cautious about eating large meals. These are likely to cause cramping and diarrhea. Diets for irritable bowel syndrome should include smaller meals. Ignore the "three meals a day" rule: it's better to eat more meals with smaller portions when you have IBS. Unless you have celiac disease, you should also concentrate on meals that contain little fat but more carbohydrates, including pasta, rice, whole-grain breads and cereals, fruits, and vegetables.

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