As IBS is a chronic disease, many patients wonder about effective IBS self help methods that they can implement easily at home to ease discomfort and prevent the onset of symptoms. But before we discuss some of the many viable irritable bowel syndrome help options, we will present some of the basics of IBS.

• Symptoms - These include abdominal cramping, diarrhea, constipation, bloating and gas that recur frequently.



• Causes - Though the causes of IBS vary from patient to patient, here is a list of some of the possible triggers: dietary habits, smoking, chewing gum, irregular eating patterns, stressful events, and recent abdominal surgery.



• Affected system - The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is the site of IBS trouble, and includes all organs involved in the digestion of food. The entire GI tract may be affected, or only portions of it.

Though a doctor is the only person who can officially diagnose IBS, this disease is highly treatable through IBS self help methods. Because IBS is not a structural or chemical disease (it is classified as a functional disease), it cannot be diagnosed through an x-ray or blood test, but only through evaluation of symptoms, a physical exam and possibly some limited diagnostic testing.

The first step in irritable bowel syndrome help is the prevention of IBS symptoms. Eliminating the triggers that cause IBS flare ups is an easily implemented facet of IBS self help. For example, some patients' IBS is primarily caused by the diet, so removal of the offending foods is effective in preventing the symptoms.

Here are some prevention tactics that can provide irritable bowel syndrome help:

• Drink eight 8 oz. glasses of water per day.
• Identify and eliminate your particular dietary triggers; these may include excessive dietary fats, alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks and chocolate.
• Keep an IBS self help journal in which you record every outbreak, the symptoms, and any triggers which may have been present.
• Gradually add more dietary fiber, such as bran, fresh vegetables and whole grains. Take note that adding too much fiber, or adding it too quickly, can actually worsen some symptoms, including diarrhea and bloating.

There are many treatments providing irritable bowel syndrome help. It is up to each patient to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each method to figure out an individualized strategy that will provide the best irritable bowel syndrome help.

• Prescription medications. A doctor may prescribe medications to treat either specific symptoms, or to treat IBS as a whole. These medications include laxatives (Ioperamide or Lomatil), antispasmodics, Tegaserol Maleate, and Alosetron Hydrochloride. Drawbacks include the possibilities of side effects (which may necessitate additional prescriptions) and of addiction, as well as the fact that some of these medications are unsafe if taken over the long-term.
• Stress relief. Up to 65% of IBS cases are brought on by a stressful life event. Patients often find tremendous irritable bowel syndrome help by treating the source of the initial stress through counseling, meditation, or exercise. However, not all IBS patients benefit from stress relief, as this may not be the cause of their symptoms.
• Natural IBS treatments. Natural treatment methods are becoming increasingly popular for those seeking IBS self help. Obtainable without a prescription, all-natural products provide effective relief without side effects; many all-natural products even provide additional health benefits to the body.

Healthy individuals may have diarrhea or constipation from time to time; however, you should see a doctor for a screening and diagnosis if these symptoms occur frequently and are accompanied by stomach pain. Be sure to ask about IBS self help methods and treatments.