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Treatment for IBS

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By Editorial Team

3 min read

Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: July 2024 | Last updated: August 2024

The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be managed using different treatments. The best treatment for you will depend on the symptoms you have. Treatment options may include:1,2

Diet changes

Diet plays an important role in the symptoms of IBS. Certain foods can help with the symptoms of IBS. Foods that are high in soluble fiber seem to benefit people with IBS. Soluble fiber can be found in foods such as:1,2

  • Oat bran
  • Barley
  • Lentils
  • Nuts and seeds

A group of foods called FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) can make the symptoms of IBS worse. So, a low FODMAP diet may help reduce IBS symptoms.1-3

At first, a low FODMAP diet can restrict what foods you can eat. Then, after a few weeks, you can start to add certain foods back into your diet to see how they affect your symptoms. This can be a long process. In the end, you will have your own custom diet. You should work with a nutritionist to make sure you are getting proper nutrients while doing the low FODMAP diet.1-3

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Other foods to avoid are:1,3

  • Gluten
  • Foods high in insoluble fiber
  • Lactose
  • Foods that can produce gas, such as beans, onions, and prunes

Lifestyle changes

Along with diet, certain lifestyle changes can also help improve IBS symptoms. These lifestyle changes may include:1,2,4

  • Exercise – Research shows that being more physically active can reduce IBS symptoms.
  • Stress management – Find healthy ways, such as breathing techniques or meditation, to cope with stressful situations.
  • Psychotherapy – Working with a therapist can help you change how your thoughts and behaviors affect your symptoms. Different types of therapies may be used. Therapy can help by teaching ways to relax and ways to manage stress.

Drugs

Certain prescription drugs may be used to treat some of the symptoms of IBS. These medicines include:1,2,4

  • Drugs to treat constipation – Drugs, fiber supplements, or laxatives can relieve constipation. Prescription drugs that can treat constipation include lubiprostone and linaclotide. A drug called tenapanor may be given if other drugs do not work.
  • Drugs to treat diarrhea – Drugs like loperamide or eluxadoline can be used to treat diarrhea.
  • Antispasmodics – These drugs can be used to relieve stomach pain, bloating, and diarrhea. These drugs are only used when needed. Some examples are:
    • Dicyclomine
    • Hyoscyamine
    • Hyoscine
  • Antibiotics – Rifaximin is an antibiotic that can relieve stomach pain and diarrhea.

Dietary supplements

Some dietary supplements may help reduce certain IBS symptoms. These include:1-4

  • Probiotics – These are live, healthy bacteria, similar to the ones found in our gut. Research on their usefulness is still in the early stages. But probiotics may help with diarrhea.
  • Soluble fiber supplements – Although soluble fiber can come from your diet, taking fiber supplements can help you get the right amount of soluble fiber each day. Fiber can help with constipation. Start with a low dose because too much fiber can lead to bloating and gas.
  • Laxatives – These can be used to treat constipation. They work to soften stool and make it easier to pass. But there can be side effects, such as:
    • Dehydration
    • Bloating
    • Gas

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)

People with IBS may seek out complementary or alternative therapies to manage their symptoms. Some examples of alternative therapies are:2,4

  • Peppermint oil – A small amount of research shows that coated peppermint oil capsules can relieve some IBS symptoms.
  • Hypnotherapy – An experienced therapist puts you in a relaxed, dream-like state to help improve your symptoms.

The treatment for IBS will largely depend on your symptoms. Along with prescription drugs, there are other drugs and treatments that can help. Some treatments may not work well for your symptoms. For example, some drugs that relieve constipation may not be recommended for people with diarrhea. Talk to your doctor before trying any new supplements or treatments.3