Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Current approaches to the management of irritable bowel syndrome
Due to the very different manifestations of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), there is no standard recommended treatment. However, the current irritable bowel syndrome guideline describes various approaches that can be used on a trial basis - including recommendations for a low FODMAP diet for irritable bowel syndrome.
Irritable bowel syndrome therapy options
The heterogeneity of irritable bowel syndrome does not allow for a standardised recommendation. After appropriate exclusion diagnostics - also with regard to other cereal and gluten-related diseases (GRD) - individual trigger factors should be identified and taken into account in IBS therapy. Food and psychological stressors can be considered as triggers . According to the guideline irritable bowel syndrome , various options can then be used as a trial for irritable bowel syndrome treatment.
Drug therapy for irritable bowel syndrome
Drug treatment for irritable bowel syndrome should be symptom-orientated and measured by the resulting improvement in symptoms and tolerability. In the absence of success, various medications can be used in succession.
Exercise in irritable bowel syndrome therapy
As sport or physical activity can have a favourable effect on the symptoms of IBS patients, regular exercise should be recommended as part of irritable bowel syndrome treatment.
Dietary fiber in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome
Fiber is also recommended as part of the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome in adults with predominantly constipation symptoms. Soluble dietary fibers should be given preference and the quantities should be started low and slowly increased. Soluble fiber can also be used on a trial basis for irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea predominant symptoms.
Peppermint oil in irritable bowel syndrome therapy
Peppermint oil has established itself as an effective spasmolytic in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome - particularly for pain and flatulence and should therefore be considered as an approach in practice.
Psychotherapeutic approaches for IBS
Psychological counselling and guided self-help programmes can also be useful as part of irritable bowel syndrome treatment in the form of graduated psychotherapeutic support. Learning and implementing strategies for coping with stress and illness can also have a favourable effect on the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
low FODMAP Diet for irritable bowel syndrome
For IBS with pain, bloating and diarrhoea, the guidelines recommend a low FODMAP diet for irritable bowel syndrome in the following three phases (restriction phase, reintroduction phase and long-term diet). This approach can also be tried with constipation type IBS symptoms. For an appropriate low FODMAP diet plan, advice from a trained nutritionist is recommended.
Probiotics in irritable bowel syndrome therapy
The use of probiotics as part of irritable bowel syndrome nutritional therapy is the subject of controversial debate. Selected probiotics in the context of irritable bowel syndrome may berecommended, the choice of probiotic strain should be adapted to the symptoms present.