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What you should know about IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IBS is a common digestive disorder that affects the large intestine, causing symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. It is a chronic condition that requires long-term management.
The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but it is believed to be related to a combination of factors, including abnormal muscle contractions in the intestine, increased sensitivity of the digestive system, stress, and certain foods.
Common symptoms of IBS include cramping or abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between diarrhea and constipation. Symptoms can vary in severity and may change over time.
IBS is typically diagnosed based on symptoms, medical history, and by ruling out other conditions. A doctor may perform tests such as blood tests, stool tests, or a colonoscopy to exclude other causes of digestive issues.
Treatment for IBS often includes dietary changes, stress management, and medications such as antispasmodics (e.g., Alverine Citrate, Mebeverine, Buscopan), laxatives, anti-diarrheal medications, and sometimes antidepressants. Probiotics and other supplements may also be recommended.
Yes, diet plays a crucial role in managing IBS. Many people find relief by following a low FODMAP diet, avoiding trigger foods, and eating smaller, more frequent meals. Keeping a food diary can help identify foods that exacerbate symptoms.
The FODMAP diet is a dietary approach designed to help people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and other digestive disorders manage their symptoms. FODMAP stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols. These are types of carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine and can be easily fermented by gut bacteria, leading to gas, bloating, pain, and diarrhea.
Key Components of the FODMAP Diet:
- Oligosaccharides: Found in foods like wheat, rye, onions, garlic, and legumes.
- Disaccharides: Found in lactose-containing foods like milk, yogurt, and soft cheese.
- Monosaccharides: Found in foods high in fructose, such as apples, honey, and high-fructose corn syrup.
- Polyols: Sugar alcohols found in foods like stone fruits (e.g., plums, cherries), and artificial sweeteners like sorbitol and mannitol.
The FODMAP Diet Process:
- Elimination Phase: All high-FODMAP foods are removed from the diet for a period of 4-6 weeks to reduce symptoms.
- Reintroduction Phase: FODMAPs are gradually reintroduced one at a time to identify which types cause symptoms.
- Personalization Phase: A long-term diet plan is developed based on the individual’s tolerance to different FODMAPs, allowing for better management of IBS symptoms.
Purpose:
The FODMAP diet aims to reduce the intake of specific carbohydrates that can trigger symptoms in sensitive individuals, thereby improving their quality of life by managing bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation more effectively.
It is recommended to follow the FODMAP diet under the guidance of a healthcare professional or dietitian to ensure it is done correctly and to maintain nutritional balance.
You should seek medical attention if you experience severe or persistent symptoms, significant weight loss, unexplained fatigue, or blood in your stool. These could be signs of a more serious condition and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Additional information
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a common long-term digestive condition that affects the gut. It causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and changes in your bowel habits, which can be either diarrhoea, constipation, or alternating between both. Although IBS can be uncomfortable and disrupt your daily routine, it is not life-threatening and does not lead to more serious diseases.
What Causes Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
The exact cause of IBS is not fully clear, but it is believed to involve a mix of factors:
- Abnormal gut motility – irregular contractions in the intestinal muscles that lead to cramping, diarrhoea, or constipation.
- Gut-brain interaction – stress and anxiety can interfere with the communication between your brain and digestive system, triggering symptoms.
- Increased sensitivity – some people with IBS have a heightened sensitivity to pain in their digestive tract.
- Diet and food sensitivities – certain foods, especially those high in fat or carbohydrates, as well as caffeine and alcohol, can trigger symptoms.
- Hormonal changes – fluctuations, especially in women, may worsen IBS symptoms during menstrual periods.
- Infections or bacterial overgrowth – a history of gastrointestinal infections or an imbalance in gut bacteria can contribute to IBS.
What Are the Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Symptoms of IBS can differ from person to person but usually include:
- Abdominal pain or cramping that often eases after a bowel movement
- Bloating and gas
- Diarrhoea or constipation, or a mix of both
- Presence of mucus in the stool
- Changes in bowel habits, such as frequent urges or a feeling of incomplete evacuation
How to Treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Treating IBS usually involves a combination of lifestyle changes, diet adjustments, and medications to manage symptoms:
- Dietary adjustments – many find relief by following a low FODMAP diet and keeping a food diary to identify trigger foods.
- Medications – UK-registered prescribers at courierpharmacy may recommend:
- Antispasmodics:
- Alverine citrate (60mg and 120mg) to relax gut muscles
- Mebeverine (135mg Tablets) for easing intestinal cramps
- Hyoscine (Buscopan 10mg) to target cramping pains in the stomach and intestines
- Antispasmodics:
- Laxatives – for those with constipation-predominant IBS, to ease bowel movements.
- Anti-diarrhoeal medications – such as loperamide to control frequent bowel movements in diarrhoea-predominant IBS.
- Antidepressants – low doses of tricyclic antidepressants or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may help manage chronic pain and improve bowel function.
- Probiotics – to restore balance to your gut bacteria and potentially reduce symptoms.
- Over-the-counter options – such as peppermint oil capsules, which may help relax bowel muscles and ease discomfort.
How to Prevent Irritable Bowel Syndrome
While you might not be able to prevent IBS completely, you can manage and reduce symptoms with these lifestyle changes:
- Maintain a balanced diet with regular meals high in fibre and low in fat.
- Manage stress with activities like yoga, meditation, or regular exercise.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Exercise regularly to help regulate bowel movements.
- Monitor your food sensitivities and avoid foods that trigger your symptoms.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek advice from a healthcare provider if you experience:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Severe abdominal pain
- Blood in your stool
- Persistent diarrhoea or constipation
- Symptoms that do not improve with treatment
These signs could indicate a more serious condition that requires further evaluation.
Buy Online from Courierpharmacy
At courierpharmacy.co.uk, we offer a wide range of treatments to help manage the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Our UK-registered prescribers provide expert advice and prescribe medications tailored to your needs. Whether you require antispasmodics, laxatives, probiotics, or other treatments, you can conveniently buy online after completing our brief medical consultation form. Enjoy safe, discreet, and fast delivery directly to your door, and take control of your digestive health with courierpharmacy.
BSc Pharmacy, Independent Prescriber, PgDip Endocrinology, MSc Endocrinology, PgDip Infectious Diseases
Superintendant Pharmacist, Independent Prescriber
BSc Pharmacy
Compounding Pharmacist
