Review of the use of probiotics to treat irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome treatments vary hugely as do the symptoms, which vary from mild abdominal discomfort, to severe cramping pain, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating and gas. Nobody really knows the causes although many people believe that it is stress related and sometimes genetic.

Prescription medicines are available but many people find that these can trigger side effects such as nausea, headaches and chest pain. Low-dose antidepressants can also be helpful.

Popular over the counter medicines include anti-diarrhoea medicines such as Imodium but these should only be taken as needed. Laxatives such as bran or Fybogel are popular, these are bulk forming laxatives. However, some people find these make symptoms worse. Lactulose is an alternative to bulk-forming agents; it increases the amount of water absorbed into the large bowel but can cause wind. Stronger bowel-stimulating laxatives such as Senna should not be used routinely unless under a doctor’s advice. Antispasmodic medicines such as Colofac and peppermint oil capsules may help with pain and wind.

Increasing in popularity as Irritable bowel symptom treatments are probiotics.

These are food supplements containing live bacteria and yeasts that help restore the balance of the bacteria in the gut. Although bacteria are often thought to be harmful

There are many good bacteria that live in our bodies that keep us healthy. Good bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract may prevent harmful organisms from growing in the bowel or entering the body through the intestine.

Probiotics are available as food supplements in capsule or tablet from pharmacies or health food shops. Always read the patient information leaflet and follow the recommended dosage. Probiotics can also now be bought as yoghurts or drinks.

Review of lifestyle changes that can be made to help with Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a long-term condition that causes re-occurring pain or discomfort in the abdomen and an altered bowel habit. IBS can develop at any age, but most people start experiencing symptoms between the ages of 15 and 40. Women are more likely to get IBS and tend to have the most severe symptoms. It is one of the most common problems of the digestive system and affects about 1 in 5 people in the Western world.

Irritable bowel syndrome treatments can vary hugely from over the counter medicines to prescription medicines to herbal and pro-biotic treatments and relaxation techniques. For most people a healthy lifestyle is the best way to improve symptoms.

• If your main symptom is diarrhoea try to avoid tea, coffee, alcohol, spicy foods and the artificial sweetener sorbitol.
• If you have constipation try gradually introducing more fibre-rich foods, such as bran, fruit and vegetables into your diet.
• If bloating or wind is a problem, cutting out gas-producing foods such beans and green vegetables (e.g. cabbage and broccoli) may help.
• For some people certain foods regularly bring on symptoms, but this isn’t always easy to monitor as missing out one food after another from your diet to see if it’s causing you symptoms can result in you depriving yourself of essential nutrients. Consulting a dietician can be helpful.
• If stress triggers symptoms try learning stress management or relaxation techniques. Some people find keeping a diary to compare symptoms with life events helpful. If certain events are identified as triggers it may be easier to deal with the stress of them.
• Take regular exercise.
• If you need to use painkillers paracetamol is less likely than ibuprofen or aspirin to trigger symptoms.

Even if you do need medical help for irritable bowel treatment adapting your lifestyle can be a huge benefit.