Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) And Prognosis

Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) And Prognosis

General Measures

It is important to know that IBS is not a life threatening condition. It doesn't produce a cancer. Lifelong symptoms occur and there is no permanent cure. Changes in the diet, medications and stress reduction are the key players in treatment. Symptoms come and go, sometimes with prolonged remissions.

A. Changes in the diet

Plenty of dietary fibres are to be included in the diet. They make stools bulkier and softer. Constipation is thus relieved. Adequate fluid intake is often recommended.

The following foods are rich in fibre:

• Fruits: Apple, peach
• Vegetables: Broccoli (raw), carrot (raw)
• Breads, cereals

Some food items are better avoided:

• Fad diets and high-fat diets
• Cabbage, beans, legumes, and lentils (These may increase flatus)
• Avoidance of milk products may help even if the patient doesn't have lactose intolerance

If large meals cause cramps or diarrhoea, patients may try replacing them with four of five smaller meals.

B. Medications or drugs that aggravate condition

Avoid unnecessary drugs. Change in medications often improves symptoms. Inform your doctor about the drugs that you take. This is because a large number of drugs are known to aggravate symptoms like constipation and diarrhoea.

Heavy use of alcohol, drinking too much coffee (caffeine) may precipitate symptoms. Excessive use of chewing gums can also induce symptoms due to the high content of sorbitol.

C. Stress reduction

A stress free life is rewarding. Regular exercise is often advices in patients with constipation. Undue apprehension can only aggravate symptoms. As already mentioned, understand that IBS is not a life threatening condition.

Medical Therapy

Medicines are prescribed to reduce the symptoms. There is no permanent cure.

• Laxatives are used to treat constipation.
• Pain is relieved by antispasmodics. The dosage and timing are based on the patient's complaint.
• If diarrhoea is the predominant complaint, loperamide is the drug of choice. It is best taken to prevent diarrhoea rather than after the incidence.


• Some patients are benefitted by the use of antidepressants.

Prognosis Of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is not a life threatening condition. Life expectancy is not affected by IBS. Lifelong symptoms occur. Symptoms come and go, sometimes with prolonged remissions.

References:

1. Cecil Medicine, 23rd Ed.
2. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 17^TH Edition
3. 5 million in the USA 1987 (Digestive diseases in the United States: Epidemiology and Impact � NIH Publication No. 94-1447, US Government Printing Office, 1994