Diet
- eat regular meals and do not skip meals
- limit caffeine, alcohol, fizzy drinks, and fatty or spicy food
- if you have diarrhoea, cut down on insoluble fibre, such as bran and skins
- soluble fibre, such as oats or ispaghula (psyllium), may help, especially with constipation
If these do not help, your GP can refer you to a dietitian for the low FODMAP diet. You cut out certain carbohydrates for a few weeks, then bring them back one at a time to find your triggers. It should be done with a dietitian's support.
Medicines
- antispasmodics, such as mebeverine or peppermint oil, for cramps
- laxatives for constipation
- loperamide for diarrhoea
- a low dose of an antidepressant, such as amitriptyline, which can reduce gut pain. It is used for pain, not because IBS is a mental health problem
Talking therapies
If symptoms continue, you may be offered cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or gut-directed hypnotherapy, which can reduce symptoms.
Sources we used
- NICE guideline CG61, Irritable bowel syndrome in adults
- NHS, Irritable bowel syndrome
- British Dietetic Association, IBS food fact sheet
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