Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the large intestine that can cause abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea and/or constipation. For those suffering from IBS, the abdominal pain can be particularly bothersome. While there is no known cure for IBS, there are many ways to manage the pain and find relief. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the top tips and treatments for managing IBS pain.
Understanding IBS Pain
The abdominal pain associated with IBS can range from mild discomfort to severe cramping. It may come and go, lasting for hours or even days during a flare-up. IBS pain and discomfort is generally triggered or made worse by certain foods, stress and hormonal changes.
IBS pain is thought to be caused by abnormal contractions of the intestinal muscles or increased sensitivity of the nerves in the intestines. Certain foods, medicines, hormones and stress can exacerbate these issues, causing flare-ups. Identifying and avoiding your specific triggers is key to preventing or reducing IBS pain episodes.
Lifestyle Changes to Minimize Pain
Making certain lifestyle adjustments can go a long way towards controlling IBS pain. Here are some tips:
- Avoid trigger foods – Keep a food diary to identify problem foods that seem to make your pain worse, such as dairy, beans, onions, cabbage or fatty foods. Limit or eliminate those foods.
- Manage stress – Stress and anxiety can worsen IBS pain. Make time for relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, deep breathing and massage therapy. Talk therapy may also help.
- Exercise regularly – Moderate exercise like walking can help relieve abdominal pain. But avoid intense activity during a flare-up as it may aggravate symptoms.
- Drink plenty of fluids – Staying hydrated with water and other liquids can help prevent constipation related to IBS.
- Get enough sleep – Lack of sleep may intensify abdominal discomfort, so aim for 7-8 hours per night.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Several over-the-counter medications may provide relief for IBS pain episodes:
- Fiber supplements – Fiber helps regulate bowel movements. Supplements like Metamucil add bulk to stool, allowing it to move more easily through the intestines.
- Anti-spasmodics – These drugs relax the intestinal muscles to reduce cramping and pain. Brands like Levsin help control sudden IBS flare-ups.
- Stool softeners – Saline laxatives like milk of magnesia soften stool, making bowel movements easier and less painful.
- Analgesics – For moderate pain, ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be helpful.
- Antidiarrheals – Medicines like Imodium and Kaopectate curb diarrhea by slowing gut contractions.
Be sure to follow dosing instructions carefully and consult your pharmacist about potential interactions with other medicines.
Lifestyle Changes for IBS Pain
Certain lifestyle adjustments and home remedies may also alleviate IBS pain symptoms:
- Apply a heating pad to the abdomen to ease cramping and muscle spasms.
- Soak in a warm bath to help relax abdominal muscles.
- Drink peppermint tea to reduce intestinal spasms.
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals to prevent attacks triggered by large volumes of food.
- Limit consumption of gas-producing foods like beans, broccoli, onions and sodas.
- Try abdominal massage, which may decrease bowel sensitivity and cramping.
- Wear loose fitting clothing to avoid extra pressure on the abdomen.
When to See a Doctor
If you experience severe, persistent abdominal pain that is not relieved by over-the-counter remedies, you should consult a doctor. Seek immediate care if your pain is accompanied by severe diarrhea, bleeding, vomiting or fever.
To diagnose IBS and develop an ongoing treatment plan, your doctor will likely:
- Do a physical exam and order lab tests to rule out other conditions.
- Recommend eliminating certain foods to see if your symptoms improve.
- Prescribe medications to alleviate pain, diarrhea or constipation.
- Refer you to a dietitian, therapist or gastroenterologist for additional care.
Prescription Medications for IBS Pain
If OTC options do not provide enough relief, your doctor may prescribe medications specifically for IBS pain management:
- Antispasmodics – For abdominal cramping and pain, anticholinergic drugs like dicyclomine help relax the intestinal muscles.
- Tricyclic antidepressants – In low doses, amitriptyline may reduce visceral hypersensitivity that causes IBS discomfort.
- Antidiarrheals – Prescription medications like Viberzi target opioid receptors in the gut to slow contractions and diarrhea.
- Laxatives – Osmotic laxatives like polyethylene glycol help treat constipation and associated pain.
- Antibiotics – For some cases of IBS, short-term antibiotics like rifaximin may provide relief by altering gut bacteria.
- Pain relievers – In some circumstances, prescription painkillers or tramadol may be used for severe IBS flare-ups.
Additional and Alternate Therapies
Beyond medication, there are other therapies that may be beneficial in controlling IBS pain:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) – This type of talk therapy helps modify thought patterns around chronic pain.
- Hypnosis – Hypnosis performed by a trained therapist teaches techniques like imagery and distraction to minimize IBS pain.
- Acupuncture – Fine needles are inserted into specific points on the body to relieve GI pain and cramping.
- Biofeedback – This mind-body therapy helps patients learn to control involuntary body processes like digestion and relaxation that affect IBS pain.
- Peppermint oil – Enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules may relax GI smooth muscle to reduce spasms and discomfort.
Surgical Options
For severe, debilitating IBS pain that does not improve with other treatments, there are a few surgical interventions that may be considered:
- Nerve ablation – Damaging or removing certain nerves in the gut may reduce chronic abdominal pain for some IBS patients.
- Neuromodulation – Electrodes implanted in the lower back modify pain signals traveling between the GI tract and spinal nerves.
- Colectomy – Removing part or all of the colon is a last resort for unmanageable IBS pain that stems from the large intestine.
Surgery for IBS pain relief is rare and only undertaken after extensive conservative treatment. The risks and long-term effects must be carefully weighed.
Coping with IBS Pain Flare-Ups
When you are experiencing an acute flare-up of abdominal pain due to IBS, focus on coping until the episode passes:
- Apply a heating pad for comfort and take OTC meds as needed
- Rest and avoid strenuous activity that can worsen symptoms
- Drink plain water, herbal tea or clear broths until solid foods can be tolerated again
- Distract yourself with relaxation techniques, reading or listening to music
- Avoid tobacco, alcohol, coffee and sugary drinks, which can aggravate the intestines
IBS pain flare-ups can be very disruptive, but fortunately most episodes only last 24-48 hours. Contact your doctor if symptoms persist longer than that or seem to be getting worse rather than better with self-care.
Living with IBS: Long-Term Outlook
IBS is a chronic condition, so occasional flare-ups may continue even with proper management. But with lifestyle adjustments and appropriate treatment, many people with IBS are able to control painful symptoms most of the time and enjoy a good quality of life.
Be patient and compassionate with yourself as you identify triggers and devise an IBS self-care routine. Keep your doctor informed if severe pain persists so adjustments can be made to your treatment plan. With some trial and error, you can successfully manage IBS pain.
Conclusion
For those living with IBS, abdominal pain can greatly disrupt daily life. The good news is there are many ways to help prevent and treat IBS pain episodes. Paying close attention to triggers, making lifestyle changes, taking medications , and using therapies can all help in managing IBS pain. Though IBS is chronic, long-term pain management is possible. Being patient and working closely with your doctor allows many IBS sufferers to minimize painful flare-ups and live full, enjoyable lives.