Medicine for IBS

There is no cure for IBS. However, if you are suffering from bad symptoms, your doctor may prescribe medicine to help you manage or lessen your symptoms.

For example, antispasmodic medicines may be prescribed to reduce cramping if your main symptom is pain. Hyoscyamine and help relax the spasms in the colon. Heating pads and hot baths can also be comforting. If some foods are causing the IBS, you should eat less of them or stop eating them.

To find out which foods are problem, write down this information
• what you eat during the day
• what symptoms you have
• when symptoms occur
• what foods always make you feel bad
 

Some foods can make IBS better, Fiber reduces IBS symptoms especially constipation because it makes stool soft, bulky, and easier to pass. Fiber is found in bran, bread, cereal, beans, fruit, and vegetables.

Here are some examples of foods with fiber
Fruits Vegetables Breads, cereals, and beans
Apples
Peaches Broccoli, raw
Cabbage
Carrots, raw
Peas Kidney beans
Lima beans
Whole-grain bread
Whole-grain cereal

Add foods with fiber to your diet a little at a time to let your body get used to them. Too much fiber all at once might cause gas, which can trigger symptoms in a person with IBS.
 

Medicine
If necessary, the doctor might give you medicine to help with symptoms
• laxatives: to treat constipation
• antispasmodics: to slow contractions in the bowel, which helps with diarrhea and pain
• antidepressants: to help those who have severe pain