As irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder involving bowel motility and sensation that is triggered by psychosocial triggers, treatment is most successful if a multi-component, comprehensive approach is used. Explain and reassure patients about the origin of their symptoms and let patients take an active approach to management which is overseen by their physician.
As diet and lifestyle may trigger or exacerbate symptoms, explain the importance of self help in effectively managing IBS. Teach the patient about modification of lifestyle, physical activity, diet, coping strategies and using medication targeted at symptoms (eg antidiarrhoeals for diarrhea and laxatives for constipation)
Treatment is essentially symptomatic, aimed towards the relief
of symptoms. Hence patients are classified into various subtypes
based on their predominant symptom:
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The National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) UK has proposed a treatment algorithm to guide their doctors in the diagnosis and treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.
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