Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Treatment
The treatment recommended for IBS depends on the severity of the disorder. Patients with mild or moderate symptoms should identify foods that lead to the symptoms of IBS and avoid them. Over-the-counter medications can be used to control both diarrhea and constipation. If those medications do not work, other drugs can be prescribed. Drugs are also available to control the abdominal pain that often accompanies IBS. People with constipation can sometimes be helped by setting specific times for meals and bowel movements.
Psychological counseling may also be helpful. The purpose of counseling is to help patients reduce anxiety and learn to deal with the pain and other symptoms of IBS. Patients with severe symptoms need more aggressive treatment. They may be given antidepressant drugs to help reduce the worst pain associated with the disorder.
Alternative Treatment
Alternative practitioners recommend a variety of techniques to help patients deal with stress. These techniques include yoga, meditation, hypnosis biofeedback, and reflexology. Reflexology is a form of foot massage that some people think relieves diarrhea, constipation, and other symptoms of IBS.
Certain herbal remedies are also thought to be helpful in controlling the symptoms of IBS. For example, ginger, buckthorn, and peppermint oil are recommended to avoid irritation in the upper part of the digestive tract. Chamomile, valerian, rosemary, and lemon balm are thought to calm the digestive system and prevent abnormal peristaltic movements.
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