Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a label given to describe any chronic disorder that impacts the healthy workings of the large intestine. Telltale symptoms of IBS include painful gas, abdominal bloating, cramps, and periods of diarrhea and constipation. IBS can be severe so constant management of the condition is required to make daily life more comfortable.

The following treatments of IBS aim to relieve symptoms to maintain quality of life. Symptoms often vary depending on specific IBS triggers. That may mean treating IBS requires a combination of taking medication, avoiding certain stressors, changing diet or certain lifestyle habits:

1. Prescription IBS medications

Depending on a patient’s specific IBS symptoms, several IBS medications can be used to relieve symptoms. For instance, for IBS patients lacking essential intestinal fluids, a drugs like Lubiprostone (Amitiza) or Linaclotide (Linzess) aim to boost fluid secretion within the small intestine to combat painful bowel movements. While IBS patients that experience loose stools or explosive diarrhea might benefit from Eluxadoline (Viberzi) or Rifaximin (Xifaxan), which aim to decrease bacteria and soothe muscle contractions and fluid secretion in the intestine in the rectum. Finally, colon relaxants, like Alosetron (Lotronex) decrease the pace of waste elimination via the lower bowel.

2. Antidepressants

Medical experts have identified a link between IBS and chronic constipation and depression. For this reason, your doctor may prescribe an antidepressant medication, like Tricyclic, to soothe intestinal pain and depression. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants (SSRIs) such as paroxetine (Paxil) and fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem) are also commonly recommended to treat depression related IBS constipation.

3. Anti-diarrhea remedies

Over the counter medications (Imodium) are often recommended by doctors to combat loose stools and diarrheal medications. Bile acid binders (i.e., colesevelam (Welchol), cholestyramine (Prevalite), and colestipol (Colestid) can also decrease IBS patients prone to diarrhea.

4. Fiber supplements

If the opposite is the issue, an over the counter psyllium supplement, like Metamucil, can help bulk stool and relieve constipation.

5. Avoid foods triggers

In addition to medication and lifestyle changes, your doctor or dietician may work with you to identify IBS triggers and help you eliminate or avoid them. Common IBS food triggers include:

• Certain foods—containing FODMAPs (or fermentable oligo-, di-, and monosaccharides and polyols) are carbohydrates (i.e., lactose, fructose, and fructans) can be troublesome for patients with IBS. Many dieticians recommend a low or no FODMAP diet, eliminating all fruits and veggies, dairy products, and grains that contain FODMAP carbs.
• Gluten—many IBS sufferers can’t tolerate gluten rich foods (i.e., rye, wheat, barley).
• Gassy foods and beverages—including raw fruits and veggies, as well as caffeine and alcoholic beverages often trigger painful bloating and diarrhea in IBS patients.

6. Healthy lifestyle changes

Stress is a very common IBS trigger, which is why the following is often recommended to manage anxiety:

• Regular exercise
• Adequate sleep
• Proper hydration