Dietary changes, medications and counseling treat irritable bowel syndrome, states Mayo Clinic. It is not clear what causes irritable bowel syndrome, as of 2015, so treatments focus on symptom relief.Continue Reading
Eliminating high-gas foods and gluten are dietary changes that treat irritable bowel syndrome, explains Mayo Clinic. Other options include eliminating fermentable oligo-, di- and monosaccharides and polyols, often referred to as FODMAPs. Carbonated beverages, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and raw fruits cause excessive gas and can be eliminated from the diet. Gluten foods such as barley, wheat and rye may improve diarrhea symptoms, and removing fructose, lactose and fructans found in certain vegetables, fruits, grains and dairy products from the diet may relieve irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.
Various medications such as fiber supplements, anti-diarrheal medications, anticholinergic and antispasmodic medications, antidepressant medications and antibiotics also treat irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, according to Mayo Clinic. Fiber supplements control constipation, while anti-diarrheal medications regulate diarrhea. Anticholinergic and antispasmodic medications relieve bowel spasms, and antidepressant medications relieve intestinal activity and depression related to irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Antibiotics treat irritable bowel syndrome caused by bacteria overgrowth in the intestines.
Counseling can be beneficial in cases of stress and depression that worsen an individualﾒs symptoms, states Mayo Clinic. Alosetron and lubiprostone are two medicines approved for certain cases of irritable bowel syndrome in women, but related side effects typically make these medications a last choice for treatment.Learn more about Gastrointestinal Issues