Ibs Treatment: Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

IBS also called Irritable bowel syndrome is a very common disorder that affects mainly the large intestine. IBS can cause symptoms such as constipation or diarrhea, gas, bloating, abdominal pain and cramping. It is a very chronic condition and should be managed as soon as possible. Many people control these severe symptoms by managing stress, lifestyle and controlling diet. More chronic symptoms can be controlled by counselling or medication. People suffering from IBS can also have signs of mucus present in the stool. It is important to consult a doctor if you are experiencing signs of weight loss, diarrhea at night, rectal bleeding, iron deficiency anaemia, unexplained vomiting, difficulty in swallowing and prolonged pain which is not solved even after passing stool. These symptoms can result to worse conditions in the future, hence it is important to start treatment without wasting any time.

If IBS is not treated on time, it can lead to several complications such as mood disorders like anxiety or depression. If you already have these disorders, IBS can make it worse. Studies show that people who have moderate or severe IBS generally experience poor quality of life and irritable behaviour which might create hurdles in their daily activities. Many times, doctors prescribe laxatives or over the counter medicines specially designed for treating IBS. However, antibiotics are more effective.

Firstly the doctor will ask you to get a proper diagnosis of IBS. Gluten intolerance is tested during the diagnosis, other criteria such as Rome criteria (discomfort and pain related to defecation), Manning criteria (stool consistency and mucus in stool) and types of IBS is fulfilled during the test. Other additional diagnostic tests such as flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonscopy, CT scan or X-ray can also be requested by the doctor. Many people also experience IBS due to lactose intolerance. In such cases, dairy products are eliminated from your diet. Breath test, upper endoscopy test and stool test can also be conducted to decide the treatment.

Many times, if your condition is not that severe, you don’t require any medication. The doctor only prescribes changes in your diet such as avoiding carbonated food, gluten (for those who have gluten intolerance), fructose and certain carbohydrates. There are certain medicines which can be prescribed by your doctor to get rid of IBS such as lotronex (Alosetron), Viberzi (Eluxadoline), Xifaxan (Rifaximin), Lubiprostone (Amitiza) and Linzess (Linaclotide). These antibiotics can prove beneficial to fight certain symptoms of IBS and cure it completely.

Since IBS is caused due to various factors such as, muscle contractions in the large intestine, abnormalities associated with the nervous system, swelling of the intestine, severe infection (bacterial overgrowth) and changes in microflora (‘good’ bacteria) level in the gut, it can occur to every person at some point in their life. However, if you are on antibiotics, there are certain foods you should avoid. Alcohol and smoking should also be avoided as it may slow down your recovery process.

People having respiratory infections which are caused by virus, bronchitis and strep throat need not consume antibiotics as it offers no help. However, once the course of the antibiotics is started, you should be regular with it and not skip a day. Suddenly quitting antibiotics if you notice the symptoms getting better might make you sick again and the infection can relapse once again.

Antibiotics can have certain side effects such as rash, soft stool, upset stomach and yeast (fungal infections) like thrush. There can also be severe side effects like mouth sores, vaginal infection or discharge, bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps, difficulty in breathing and facial inflammation. If these conditions persist, it is important to consult a doctor as soon as possible. If you are allergic to certain antibiotics, the doctor can recommend an alternative treatment for you.

It is important to consume the entire course of the antibiotics without skipping a day. Even if your symptoms start to reduce, it is vital not to discontinue the antibiotics suddenly. Doing this will again trigger the infection and IBS can relapse in your intestine. However after getting treated with antibiotics, it is important to look after your bowels by eating regular meals at the correct time, exercising regularly, avoiding foods which may trigger the symptoms of IBS and experimenting with certain fiber rich foods.

One can recover from IBS easily and in a short span of time. Usually antibiotics are prescribed for a period of 2 to 3 weeks after which a follow up test is done to see if IBS has cured or not. In worst cases IBS can a month to get treated completely.

The price of the treatment is approximately, Rs.300 to Rs.800 in India.

The results of the treatment are however not permanent. After the treatment of IBS if preventive measures are not taken, then it can occur again. As long as you are consuming the antibiotics, the symptoms of IBS will greatly reduce and will heal for the time being.

IBS can have other treatments apart from consuming antibiotics. These measures include, consuming pain medications, tricyclic antidepressants, anti-cholinergic medications, ant-diarrheal medication, consuming fiber rich supplements and laxatives. Alternative treatments such as hypnosis, mindfulness training, acupuncture, peppermint supplements, probiotics and stress reduction can also be used to cure IBS.