IBS - symptoms, treatments and more

IBS - symptoms, treatments and more

How do diet and stress affect IBS?

Eating causes contractions or spasms of the colon. Normally, this response may cause an urge to have a bowel movement within 30 to 60 minutes after a meal. In people with IBS, the urge may come sooner with cramps and diarrhea. Contractions may be stronger after a large meal or a meal with a lot of fat in it. Many people with IBS learn to avoid certain foods, beverages, and medicines that seem to make their symptoms worse.

Stress can cause contractions of the colon in people with IBS. The reasons for this are not clear, but scientists point out that the colon is controlled partly by the nervous system. Learning relaxation methods and other ways to reduce stress can be helpful. Counseling and support help relieve IBS symptoms in many people.

What foods may cause IBS symptoms?

• Fatty foods like french fries

• Milk products like cheese or ice cream (especially in people who have trouble digesting lactose, or milk sugar)

• Chocolate

• Alcohol

• Caffeine (found in coffee, tea, and some sodas)

• Carbonated drinks like soda

• Sorbitol, a sweetener found in dietetic foods and in some chewing gums

• Gas-producing foods including beans and certain vegetables like broccoli or cabbage.

You may want to keep a journal keeping track of the foods that seem to cause trouble. If certain foods cause your symptoms to flare up, you can try eating less of those foods. Discuss your findings with your doctor. You also may want to consult a registered dietitian, who can help you make changes in your diet.

What can I do to help my IBS besides avoiding problem foods and beverages?

Regular exercise can help with constipation and improve your health in other ways. Look into support groups, stress reduction methods or counseling if you think they might be helpful. Be careful about using laxatives, anti-diarrhea or other over-the-counter medicines to treat yourself. They can cause problems if misused. Other kinds of medicines sometimes make IBS symptoms worse, too.

What medicines are used to treat IBS?

• fiber supplements and occasional use of laxatives (for constipation)

• antispasmodics—drugs that control colon muscle spasms and help with diarrhea and pain

• tranquilizers and antidepressants to help with stress, anxiety, and depression.

Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions for use of all medicines. Some medicines including laxatives can be habit-forming, and all drugs have side effects. Tell your doctor about any over-the-counter medicines that you use. New drugs are being developed for IBS—ask your doctor about new treatment options.

For more information about irritable bowel syndrome, contact the National Women's Health Information Center at (800) 994-WOMAN (9662) or the following organizations:

National Library of Medicine—Medlineplus
Web site: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/irritablebowelsyndrome.html

American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
Phone Number(s): (847) 290-9184
Web Site: http://www.fascrs.org/

American College of Gastroenterology
Phone Number(s): (703) 820-7400
Web Site: http://www.acg.gi.org/

The information in this FAQ was adapted primarily from materials from the National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), including "Irritable Bowel Syndrome" and "What I Need to Know about Irritable Bowel Syndrome."

Reprinted from the Office on Women's Health in the Department of Health and Human Services.

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