Imodium is a common over-the-counter anti-diarrheal used to slow down the stool, and it's recommended by gastroenterologists because it's a multi-symptom relief pill. Not only does it tackle diarrhea with the loperamide, but it also relieves any gas and bloating with the simethicone, which is also found in Gas-X.
Buscopan IBS Relief is available from most pharmacies and supermarkets. Buscopan Cramps is only available from behind the pharmacy counter. Can I take Buscopan with other IBS remedies?
In irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients with diarrhea, an antidiarrheal agent such as loperamide is a drug which slows gut transit. Loperamide (e.g., Imodium®) is available over-the-counter (OTC) and is the most commonly used antidiarrheal.
Your doctor may suggest changes to your diet, like not eating gassy foods or some kinds of carbs. You might also need to eat more fiber and foods that have probiotics -- good bacteria that support your gut. It may help to talk to a dietitian or nutritionist.
Antispasmodic drugs, which may ease cramping – examples include mebeverine, hyoscine and peppermint oil capsules. Tricyclic antidepressants – These are effective in treating pain, bloating and bowel frequency in IBS. Use of these medications does not mean that IBS is caused by depression or anxiety.
Probiotics have also proven beneficial in IBS patients by slowing down the transit time of the colon, reducing the average number of bowel movements per day, improving stool consistency, overall symptoms, and above all, the quality of life in these patients.
Coffee, soda and chocolate are all possible triggers of IBS. Beans. Baked beans, chickpeas, lentils and soybeans have a lot of indigestible carbohydrates, which your gut bacteria break down to digestible nutrients and gas. Spicy food.
For individuals with constipation-predominant IBS, a soluble fiber supplement (Metamucil or others containing psyllium) can be helpful. Large amounts of fiber can hinder the absorption of medications, so take your medications one to two hours before the fiber supplement.
Mesalamine, a 5-aminosalicylic acid is an anti-inflammatory drug and extensively used for treating inflammatory bowel disease. The presence of low-grade inflammation and mucosal immune activation in IBS provides the rationale for using mesalamine in IBS patients.
This means people with IBS can safely consume a serving of medium-sized firm yellow or green bananas daily without triggering gastrointestinal symptoms. However, ripe bananas, which have higher levels of fermentable carbohydrates called fructans, can trigger IBS symptoms in some people.
Unfortunately, you cannot self-diagnose IBS. However, there are some online IBS diagnosis questionnaires that you can take to assess your current condition. Nevertheless, these quizzes are never a substitute for a diagnosis from a doctor, as each IBS diagnosis and treatment plan is individual.
Symptoms of IBS can range from mild to severe. The main symptoms are diarrhea, constipation, or both. And you will probably experience abdominal pain, bloating, and gas.
Antispasmodics and peppermint oil can be used first-line for the treatment of abdominal pain. If patients fail to respond, central neuromodulators can be used second-line; tricyclic antidepressants should be preferred.
Like sodium and potassium, magnesium is an electrolyte that the body needs for various functions. Everyone needs adequate levels of magnesium, and most people get them. Supplementation may be beneficial for people with conditions such as restless legs syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Left untreated, long-term IBS can sometimes lead to other serious health issues. One such possibility is an impacted bowel, especially in cases where the IBS symptoms include chronic constipation. An impacted bowel occurs when stool builds up in the large intestine.
Water intake might be associated with improvement of IBS through affecting GI function. Water intake might improve constipation among IBS-C patients. In addition, drinking water is a common suggestion for IBS-D patients to prevent diarrhea-induced dehydration.
Increase the amount of fibre in your diet, for example: cereals, e.g. All Bran®, Bran Flakes®, Weetabix®, muesli, fruit and vegetables and brown bread. You must however drink plenty of water: 1-1½ litres a day. Eat your meals slowly and chew food thoroughly.