Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome affects 10 to 15 percent of the U.S. population to some degree and is defined as abdominal pain and discomfort with altered bowel habits in the absence of any mechanical, inflammatory or biochemical explanation. It is twice as common in women as in men and most often begins in adolescence or early adulthood. Symptoms can be severe and interfere with daily life activities, including work, travel and social events. However, although troubling and unpleasant, IBS does not cause permanent damage to the intestines or increase the risk of serious disease.과민성대장증후군치료

Your healthcare provider can diagnose IBS based on your symptoms and by performing a physical exam. Your healthcare provider will recommend a combination of treatment options, which may include non-medicinal treatments such as diet and exercise, or medications to treat your specific symptoms. Treatment of IBS symptoms usually improves over time.

Some people with IBS experience bloating, abdominal pain and diarrhea. For these patients, a low FODMAP diet may help ease symptoms. The diet restricts foods containing certain carbohydrates, such as fructose and lactose, that are difficult for the small intestine to absorb and digest. In addition to dietary modification, your doctor may prescribe a laxative or antidiarrheal medication. Antispasmodic drugs also may reduce your symptoms, and loperamide (Imodium) can decrease diarrhea.

Other medications that can be used to treat IBS symptoms are bile acid sequestrants, such as cholestyramine and colestipol; Eluxadoline (Viberzi) which reduces bowel contractions; and lubiprostone (Amitiza), which increases fluid secretion in the small intestine to move stool through the bowels. In some cases, your doctor may recommend psychological therapy or antidepressant medicines for mood problems that occur with IBS.

The reason IBS can be so troublesome is that the intestines send hormone and nerve signals to the brain, which trigger bowel movements and symptoms. Stress and emotional distress can make the intestines more sensitive and trigger IBS symptoms, as can having a bacterial or parasitic infection.

Almost everyone with IBS can get relief from their symptoms by modifying their diet, exercising regularly and learning to manage stress. The best treatment plans vary from person to person, and may include a combination of prescription and over-the-counter medications, a diet that is tailored to your unique needs and coping strategies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.

It takes some trial and error to find a regimen that works for you, but your healthcare providers are there to help. You can do it! Taking the steps to manage your IBS symptoms will improve your quality of life. It’s important to drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine or fatty foods that can trigger your symptoms. Using a toilet map when traveling can help you locate public restrooms and reduce your anxiety about finding one in unfamiliar places. You can also invest in a portable stool softener to reduce odors and keep your stools comfortable. Having a spare toilet seat cover can help you avoid embarrassing situations if you’re in an unfamiliar environment.해우소한의원

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