Skip to Accessibility Menu Skip to Login Skip to Content Skip to Footer
A woman stands among various science lab equipment, some of which is overturned and spilling its contents on the table. The woman is holding up a test tube, looking at it suspiciously. Text reads "5th Annual IBS In America"

Treating IBS Is Not An Exact Science

Editorial Team's avatar image

By Editorial Team

2 min read

There is no magic pill, no set of exercise routines, and no one-size-fits-all diet for treating IBS. It is a combination of individual changes in daily life that vary from person to person. Despite research and new treatments, people living with the condition are constantly looking for a different method for soothing symptoms. It often takes trial and error, self-advocacy, and patience to develop a way to manage the sometimes-unpredictable nature of the condition.

To learn more about how people with IBS are treating their condition, we conducted our 5th Annual IBS In America survey. More than 1,900 people with IBS completed the survey and provided insight into treatment approaches.

A lack of control

Only 12 percent* of people who took the survey say their IBS is controlled on their current treatment plan. This could be because nearly half of those who have not tried a prescription IBS medication say their doctor has not recommended such treatment.

Infographic featuring data on medication: 48% say their doctor has not recommended prescription IBS medication; 30% say they are concerned about side effects.

Dietary changes

Knowing what type of dietary changes will alleviate symptoms comes into focus once someone realizes their triggers. While people find it easy to take their IBS medicines, nearly half would prefer a lifestyle or diet change to a prescription drug. Many people with IBS avoid or limit acidic foods, alcohol, spicy food, certain vegetables, caffeine, dairy/lactose, and more.

Infographic featuring data on non-prescription treatments for IBS, including diets tried, increased hydration, smaller portions, pre- or probiotics, and limiting or avoiding certain foods.

Commonly tried treatments

Antacids and antidiarrheals are the most commonly tried and used treatments for IBS symptoms other than pain. Over-the-counter NSAIDs and pain medicines, as well as heating pads and exercise, are commonly used for pain management.

Infographic featuring data on medications people with IBS take: NSAIDs or pain medication, antacids, antidiarrheals, antidepressant/anxiety medication, anti-gas medication, and prescription pain medication.

Clinical trials

Research helps drive new treatments for chronic conditions, including IBS. However, many have never taken part in a clinical trial. It is uncertain why that is, but we did learn there is an interest.

Infographic featuring a man looking at pamphlets, thinking about clinical trials. Data shows 91% have never taken part in a clinical trial, and 7% have for another condition.

Learning more about managing IBS

People with IBS are no stranger to Dr. Google. In fact, they look to resources like the internet and IBS-specific websites to learn more about how to manage the condition.

Infographic showing the amount of people who search for IBS answers through internet searches, general health websites, Facebook, IBS-specific websites, healthcare professionals, and support groups, forums, and patient communities.

The 5th Annual IBS in America survey was conducted online from June 8 through August 3, 2020. All of the 1,930 people who completed the survey have been screened to have IBS symptoms.

By providing your email address, you are agreeing to our privacy policy.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The IrritableBowelSyndrome.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

Join the conversation

Please read our rules before commenting.

Community Poll

Does your IBS prevent you from attending public events?