The following information is adapted from a leaflet published by the British Society of Gastroenterology & Digestive Disorders Foundation.

Investigating for IBS

Investigations are important to exclude other more serious bowel disorders that can produce similar symptoms to those of IBS. The history of the symptoms and a physical examination will help to establish the diagnosis. In many young patients, the doctor may diagnose with a few initial investigations and treat the disorder. In older patients who develop new digestive symptoms, the doctor will do more extensive investigations to exclude other bowel disorders. Laboratory tests, x-rays and endoscopy (internal examination with an instrument) may be done to exclude other digestive disease. The response to a trial of treatment may help to establish the diagnosis. If some of the symptoms are not typical, such as weight loss or blood in the motions, full investigation is essential.

Treatment

Although the irritable bowel syndrome may produce troublesome symptoms, it does not lead to serious complications. It is important to know and understand this. An explanation of the disorder and how symptoms are produced helps to relieve anxiety and allows the patient to cope better with the symptoms. If attacks are infrequent or mild, this insight may be sufficient. Reassurance that more serious or progressive disorders are not present is also important. A knowledge of what provokes an attack may help individuals control their symptoms more effectively and prevent attacks, or at least help them to cope better.

Advice on diet, eating habits and lifestyle helps many IBS sufferers. A well-balanced ‘healthy’ diet, taken as regular meals, will reduce symptoms. Some patients benefit from increasing the fibre content of the diet and others may be helped by reduction in fibre intake. Important foods containing fibre are cereals, fruit and vegetables. Fibre supplements prepared from plants can be prescribed or obtained from the chemist, but these should not be used without first discussing the symptoms with a doctor.

Foods which are high in fat often provoke symptoms and should be avoided. Rich or spicy foods can also cause attacks. People usually are aware of particular foods which upset them, but may not associate attacks with common foods such as dairy products, bread and cereals, which can trigger symptoms. Large, infrequent meals challenge the digestion much more than small, frequent ones, which often help to reduce symptoms.

Patients who relate their symptoms to stress or anxiety usually benefit from a better understanding of the condition. Sometimes counselling in stress management is helpful. Others with more severe symptoms may benefit from hypnotherapy. If anxiety or depression are a major part of the problem, psychotherapy may help. Treatment with an antidepressant may also reduce symptoms.

Antispasmodic drugs help some patients, but response is variable. Constipation may require additional laxative treatment under medical supervision. Diarrhoea can also be controlled, particularly if it is limiting activity, mobility and lifestyle.

In many cases, reassurance, explanation and symptomatic treatment are all that is required and regular medication is not necessary.

Digestive enzymes recommended by foodreactions.org

Products to help control IBS are widely available from the pharmacist, however, the use of digestive enzymes for its treatment would be of benefit to most sufferers. Fatty and spicy foods and dairy products may all trigger or increase the symptoms of IBS. The most probable and logical reason is because these food remain in the digestive system untouched and undigested for the bacteria in the large intestine to break down and digest. This results in fermentation leading to cramps, flatulence, abdominal pain, bloating, wind and diarrhoea. Enzymes are mainly found in the digestive tract but IBS sufferers may have a reduced production of enzymes to fully digest the food. Supplementing the digestive system with enzymes is beneficial and this may help in complete or near complete eradication of symptoms.

• Lipozyme is the product enzyme that breaks down fats. Ideal for those who have symptoms triggered by oily and fatty foods.
• Prolactazyme Forte is highly recommended probably for all IBS sufferers as it breaks down all the components of milk a major problem in IBS.
• Spectrumzyme, Polyzyme and Digestaid are cocktails of enzymes to breakdown fats, proteins, starch and carbohydrates.
• Carbozyme is for those whose symptoms are triggered by the intake of starchy food, e.g. potatoes and rice.
• Glutenzyme is ideal for those who have problem digesting food containing gluten.

You find more information in the products page. All these products are shipped to all parts of the world and are offered at discounted prices.

Cure

Despite considerable research, the cause of irritable bowel syndrome remains in-completely understood and there is, as yet, no cure. It is well established that the symptoms of IBS are due to the way in which the bowel functions, rather than any specific disease of the bowel. With new research methods, which the Digestive Disorders Foundation is supporting, it is becoming possible to monitor the functioning of the bowel and to understand it better. It is hoped that this will provide more specific and effective treatments for the troublesome symptoms of this common condition. Fortunately, most patients’ symptoms are reasonably controlled most of the time by the treatments outlined. For some, the symptoms often resolve on their own with time. However, there is a continuing need to sustain further research into IBS, to help relieve the symptoms for sufferers and to advance our understanding of the functioning of the bowel.

Seeking Help

Everyone experiences occasional digestive upsets such as indigestion, flatulence or a disturbance of bowel habit. These can be regarded as normal and are often caused by diet, lifestyle or a change in routine.

If symptoms of this sort persist or worsen, or if you develop new digestive symptoms which you have not previously experienced, these may be caused by a digestive disorder which needs treatment.

You should see your doctor if you experience the following symptoms, particularly if they are unexpected or persistent:

• Abdominal pain before or after meals.
• Persistent feeling of fullness, bloating or flatulence.
•  Nausea or vomiting.
• Heartburn, regurgitation or water brash.
• Pain or difficulty in swallowing.
• Loss of appetite.
• Continuing unexplained weight loss.
• Indigestion developing for the first time in mid or later life.
• Persisting diarrhoea, constipation or any alteration in bowel habit.
• Change in your stools (bowel motions), especially if they become black, dark red, pale or contain mucus (slime).
• Bleeding when you pass a stool.
• Pain when you pass a stool.
• Feeling that your bowels are emptying incompletely.
• Generally feeling tired, lethargic or unwell in association with any abdominal symptoms.