This is my last post to complete the requirements for my
college course. I hope to continue posting on IBS and I may even add other
common stomach problems. I will be taking a break for a while to concentrate on
my other college work. 
In many cases a person is able to control mild symptoms of
IBS by managing stress and changes to their lifestyle. More may be needed if
problems are moderate or severe. A health care provider will select medications
based on a person’s most severe symptoms.
Fiber supplements-to relieve constipation (as discussed in
last weeks post)
Laxatives-help constipation. Laxatives work in different
ways, talk to your health care provider on which are right for you.
Anti-diarrheal medications-medications such as loperamide
(lmodium) can help control diarrhea. (This reduce diarrhea but does not reduce
pain, bloating or other symptoms.) It works by reducing stool frequency and
improves stool consistency by slowing the movement of stool through the colon.
Antispasmodics-such as hyoscine, cimetropium, and
pinaverium, help to control colon muscle spasms and reduce abdominal pain.
Antidepressants-these medications help relieve depression as
well as inhibit the activity of neurons that control the intestines, reducing sensitivity
to pain in the GI tract and normalizing GI motility and secretion.
If you have made life style changes and are not seeing any
improvement, see a health care provider to guide you in other strategies.
