Prescription Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Treatments

IBS is a common and quite often lifelong condition that affects the digestive system. This can consist of stomach pain or discomfort that is often accompanied by changes in your bowel habits. The actual cause of IBS is not known and there is no cure for the condition. 

IBS is more common to affect women than men and estimates state that between 10%-20% of people may suffer from IBS in the UK. Symptoms tend to begin in teenagers & young adults, although it can affect people of all ages.

A lot of research has been (and continues) to be conducted to help understand the condition, albeit the specific cause of IBS is unknown.

When we eat, food travels through several organs which make up the digestive tract. Our bodies use smooth muscle spasms or contractions to push the food through the digestive tract. People who have IBS will notice that these contractions are often more severe.

These contractions can raise discomfort, cramping or pain in the stomach, it can also cause diarrhoea or constipation.

Research into IBS has found that some patients have overly sensitive nerves in their digestive system. This may make them feel stronger pain sensations compared to healthy people. The sensitivity of the nervous system may also make them more sensitive to even normal contractions of the digestive tract.

Some research has shown that contracting an infection called gastroenteritis may increase your risk of developing IBS. There is also some evidence to suggest a family history of IBS increases the risk of getting the condition.

Stress and diet are other important factors that can worsen or improve symptoms of IBS.

There are several symptoms and signs which indicate you may be suffering from IBS.

These include symptoms such as stomach pain, discomfort or cramping which is often helped by passing stools. Other symptoms include changes in bowel movements, bloating, nausea, tiredness, flatulence and incontinence. These particular symptoms can affect a person’s quality of life. Over a longer period, this could result in psychological problems such as depression and anxiety. 

Some people may find that they switch between having diarrhoea and constipation with IBS, others may find that their symptoms are worse when they eat food.