See your GP
Diagnosis
Drug therapies
Alternative remedies

See Your GP

If you think you are suffering from IBS, it is important to see your doctor so that a proper diagnosis can be made.

Many people worry that the symptoms they are experiencing are indications that there is something seriously wrong. A diagnosis of IBS means that there is no evidence of an underlying structural abnormality, inflammatory disease or tumour.

IBS is not:

Diagnosis

A diagnosis of IBS can only be made by a healthcare professional so you should consult your doctor if you have any of the symptoms common to IBS. This is because the symptoms of IBS can be similar to other more serious conditions of the bowel. In the majority of cases, however, serious physical disorders can be ruled out. This reassurance can in itself reduce anxiety and help you to cope with the symptoms more readily.

A diagnosis is made by various methods including taking a clinical history of your symptoms, a physical examination, blood tests and any additional examinations which your doctor may recommend.

Clinical History

When you consult your doctor, he/she will initially take a clinical history of your symptoms. This involves reviewing your health history, asking questions about the symptoms you've been experiencing, and listening to your descriptions. It is important that you tell your doctor all the symptoms you have experienced even if you are not sure whether they are relevant.

It may be useful to keep a symptom diary in which you write down the symptoms you are suffering, and if you have recently eaten any particular foods or have been under pressure or stress. This can help to identify triggers which may make your symptoms worse.

Physical examination

The purpose of a physical examination is to eliminate organic diseases such as thyrotoxicosis (a condition resulting from excessive production of thyroid hormone) or ulcerative colitis. During a physical examination, the doctor may examine your abdomen to see if there is any inflammation or other abnormality. A rectal examination may also be carried out.

Blood Tests

Blood tests help to eliminate the possibility of conditions such as anaemia or infection, so your doctor may take a blood sample to send off for investigation.

Examinations

In some cases, your doctor may recommend examinations which can show the structure of your intestines.

These can include:

but remember that he or she is there to help. The investigations they undertake are done to reassure you that there is nothing structurally wrong, and to rule out any serious underlying abnormality. Many people who suffer from IBS will have undergone tests such as the ones described above, and it may be helpful to read some of the stories in the "IBS bulletin board" section if you are worried or anxious about any part of the diagnostic procedure.

Drug therapies

You should always talk to your doctor or healthcare professional before undertaking any medication for IBS. They may recommend lifestyle and diet changes before suggesting drug therapy. Before discussing the different types of medicines which are used for treating IBS symptoms or before you take any IBS treatment, it is important that you take note of the following guidelines:

Before you take any IBS Medicine

If this is the first time you have had IBS symptoms, consult your doctor before using any treatment.

Consult you doctor if you have developed new symptoms, or if your symptoms worsen, after two weeks treatment.
Your doctor may also recommend diet and lifestyle changes either before or whilst you are taking IBS medication.

IBS medications

There are medications which have been shown to reduce the symptoms of IBS and help alleviate discomfort. The main classes of drugs used are:

Anti-spasmodic drugs
Fibre supplements
Anti-cholinergic drugs

Anti-spasmodic drugs have a direct effect on the intestinal smooth muscle and do not have an anti-cholinergic action. As such, at usual doses they are not associated with the same side effects as anti-cholinergic drugs and are well-tolerated. Included in this group of drugs are:

		Alverine citrate in Spasmonal Forte, Spasmonal and Spasmonal Fibre
		Mebeverine hydrochloride
		Peppermint oil

Fibre supplements increase your fibre intake and can reduce constipation. They should not be used if your main symptom of IBS is diarrhoea as they can increase peristalsis and aggravate diarrhoea. However, many people find that their symptoms are reduced if they increase their fibre intake. Spasmonal Fibre combines the 'antispasmodic' alverine citrate with fibre in one product. Other products with a fibre content are: ispaghula husk, methyl cellulose and sterculia.

 

Anti-cholinergic drugs act on the smooth muscle in the bowel. Their use is often limited by their side effects, especially if they are 'non-specific' drugs. This means that as well as acting on the smooth muscle in the bowel, they also act on other sites around the body, and can cause dry mouth, blurred vision and urine retention.

Alternative remedies

Alternative remedies such as yoga, hypnotherapy, relaxation techniques and aromatherapy, usually have an effect on reducing stress rather than affecting the digestive tract directly. These have all proved increasingly popular in recent years and can help as part of living a healthy lifestyle.