IBS treatments

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the name given to a collection of symptoms that affect your bowel. It’s thought to affect 10–20% of the population, particularly 20–30 year olds. Symptoms include:

• Abdominal discomfort or pain, often relieved when you go to the toilet
• Irregular bowel pattern of constipation and diarrhoea
• Stomach bloating
• Passing mucus
• Urgency, straining and feeling like your bowels aren’t fully empty

You may find that eating makes your symptoms worse.

IBS has many causes. Research is showing the most common initial triggers include bouts of food poisoning or gastroenteritis. Some IBS symptoms can be present in other conditions too, so it’s important to discuss any you experience with your doctor so they can investigate and exclude any other conditions. You should get a diagnosis from a healthcare professional before starting treatment.

Antispasmodic medications work by relaxing the smooth muscles in your gut. This reduces spasms, which are often the cause of the discomfort associated with IBS. They target gut muscles, providing fast relief from symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramps and bloating.

You shouldn’t take antispasmodic medication if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or allergic to it.