IBS toolkit

IBS is a health issue found in your intestines (gut). IBS symptoms can include stomach pain, diarrhea, stomach bloating, constipation and cramping. There are different types of IBS, so each person may not have the same symptoms: IBS-D (IBS with diarrhea), IBS-C (IBS with constipation) and IBS-mixed (symptoms of both IBS-D and IBS-C). More about IBS.  

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the common disorders of the large intestine. It impacts more than 35 million Americans. 

While there is no cure for IBS, there are treatments that can help. Most people with IBS can control their symptoms through diet, stress management and, sometimes, medication prescribed by their doctors. 

Each person, based on the type of IBS they have, will have different symptoms. In general, IBS can cause: 

• Belly pain. 
• Cramping in the stomach area. 
• Gas. 
• Bloating (or swelling) of the belly. 
• Diarrhea (loose stool). 
• Constipation (hard stool or trouble passing stool). 
• Urgent need to go. 
• Sometimes, people with IBS pass mucus with their stool.  

If you are having symptoms more than three times a month, for more than three months, talk to your doctor. Tell your doctor about all your symptoms to get the best treatment plan for you. Note: Bleeding, fever, weight loss and severe pain that does not go away are not symptoms of IBS and may suggest other problems. Talk to your doctor right away if you have these symptoms. 

The diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome will usually require an evaluation by a gastroenterologist. 

To find out if you have IBS your doctor will do a few tests, which may include a blood test, stool test and physical exam to feel your belly. Based on the results of the blood or stool test, you may need other tests, such as a colonoscopy or endoscopy. Mainly, the tests will show whether you have a different health issue, such as an infection, causing your symptoms. There is no single test to make the diagnosis of IBS. If no other issue is found to be causing your symptoms, it is probably IBS, but only your doctor can confirm this. 

There are many treatment options to help care for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), including diet and nutrition management, medication and behavioral management. Talk to your doctor to find out which is best for you. Since each person experiences different symptoms with IBS, everyone needs a treatment plan unique to them. More about treatment options for IBS. 

It is important to keep track of what you eat and how you feel to determine what foods may cause your symptoms. Keep a record (food journal) noting which foods seem to cause what symptoms, and talk to your doctor about what you find. Dairy products and high-fat foods often cause issues in some, but not all, IBS patients. Recently, some IBS patients have lessened their symptoms with the low-FODMAP diet. 

Your treatment plan will depend on if you have IBS with diarrhea or constipation. For IBS-D, over-the-counter or prescription drugs, such as loperamide, eluxadoline, rifaximin and alosetron, may be used to lessen or stop diarrhea (loose stool). For IBS-C, over-the-counter or prescription drugs (such as lubiprostone and linaclotide, which help pass stool), fiber supplements, stool softeners, laxatives and other medications that may stimulate motility (movement) or secretion of fluid in the intestines may be used to lessen or stop constipation. 

There are several psychological treatments that can help reduce the symptoms of IBS, including:  

• Cognitive-behavioral treatment. 
• Hypnosis. 
• Stress management. 
• Meditation 
• Other relaxation methods. 

These treatments seem to lessen stomach pain and the mental distress linked to IBS symptoms, improve coping skills and help patients adapt to their symptoms. More about psychological treatments for IBS.