For IBS pain, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is generally safer than NSAIDs, while antispasmodics like Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide) are specifically recommended for cramping by relaxing gut muscles, though NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) can worsen symptoms for some and should be avoided if they cause stomach issues. Always consult a doctor to find the best pain relief, as IBS pain can also respond to low-dose antidepressants or targeted IBS medications, notes this Nerva Health article.
Medicines specifically for IBS
Hyoscine treatment can reduce the symptoms caused by IBS, bladder problems and motion sickness, and can greatly improve quality of life. However, hyoscine is only recommended in pregnancy if there are no alternative treatments as there is very little information about how it might affect the unborn baby.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Linzess (linaclotide) capsules for pediatric patients 7 years and older with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). Linzess is the first treatment approved for IBS-C in pediatric patients.
“I sometimes tell patients to stay away from ibuprofen (like Advil® or Motrin®) and naproxen (like Aleve®) because they can cause stomach discomfort,” says Dr. Tosch. “Over long periods of time, they can cause ulcers. If you need something for pain, Tylenol® (acetaminophen) is the best option.”
For immediate pain relief, consider using heat therapy, drinking an herbal tea or engaging in gentle physical movement. For long-term symptom management, it is important to manage stress, maintain a healthy lifestyle and identify and avoid trigger foods like high-FODMAP foods.
Antispasmodics and peppermint oil
Conventional analgesic drugs, such as paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opiates are unlikely to relieve pain in IBS, and some have the potential to exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms.
Much like IBD, there may be times when symptoms are present and times when little or no symptoms are present. But, unlike IBD, IBS does not cause inflammation, does not cause permanent damage to the GI tract, and does not increase the risk of colorectal cancer. The exact cause of IBS is unknown.
IBS medicines from a GP
If pharmacy medicines are not helping with your symptoms of IBS, a GP may prescribe a stronger medicine, such as: amitriptyline. citalopram.
As well as more common GI symptoms, IBS is also thought to give rise to a number of non-GI symptoms including dizziness. Dizziness can be described as a feeling of unsteadiness, light-headedness or feeling faint.
But many people have worse IBS symptoms when they eat or drink certain foods or beverages. These include wheat, dairy products, citrus fruits, beans, cabbage, milk and carbonated drinks. Stress. Most people with IBS experience worse or more-frequent symptoms during periods of increased stress.
It has since been found that 82% of IBS sufferers are also low in vitamin D (less than 20 ng/mL)2 so naturally we come to question if there is a link between vitamin D and IBS symptoms. The University of Sheffield has been spearheading this important area of research.
If you work and are living with IBS, you may have needed to take time off when your symptoms have been particularly severe. Travelling to and from work and to meetings can be very challenging too.
Certain conventional pain managing drugs do not effectively improve IBS symptoms, including NSAIDs, acetaminophen, aspirin, and various narcotics. Anxiolytic and antidepressant drugs (Benzodiazepines, TCAs, SSRI and SNRI) can attenuate pain in IBS patients with relevant comorbidities.
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.
The classic symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are abdominal pain, bloating and some form of bowel dysfunction. The pain is typically colicky in nature and can occur at any site although most commonly it is on the left side.
If you are suffering with diarrhoea, then Imodium is your best bet. If you're suffering from stomach cramps, then Buscopan is a great option. For trapped wind and spasming, Colpermin could alleviate your symptoms. If you're suffering from bloating and discomfort, then perhaps Senocalm will help you to feel better.
There is no evidence to suggest that IBS can turn into Crohn's disease or any other gastrointestinal condition. Although it is unlikely that IBS is a mild subset of IBD, some people with IBS do receive a subsequent diagnosis of Crohn's disease or UC. However, this is likely due to initial misdiagnosis.
A CT scan cannot show IBS, nerve damage, or some cancers like prostate cancer, and uterine cancer. Stomach ulcers can be diagnosed with a blood test (for H. pylori bacteria), a stool test, then an Upper GI series.
Symptoms
Antibiotics, for example, can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, potentially causing diarrhea or other digestive issues in individuals with IBS. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen or aspirin, may irritate the gastrointestinal tract and lead to increased abdominal pain or discomfort.
What is the best bread for IBS sufferers? Sourdough bread and gluten-free bread are the best types of bread for people with IBS. The lengthy fermentation process used to make traditional sourdough bread reduces the amount of fructans, which are the kind of carbohydrates in bread that cause IBS symptoms.
The chronic pain (pain lasting 6 months or longer) in IBS can be felt anywhere in the abdomen (belly), though is most often reported in the lower abdomen. It may be worsened soon after eating, and relieved or at times worsened after a bowel movement. It is not always predictable and may change over time.