Treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

There is no cure for IBS. However many people are able to control their symptoms with lifestyle modifications, stress management, medications, and alternative treatments. The goal of treatment, therefore, is to minimize your symptoms and the effect they have on your life. Treatment involves the following:

Lifestyle changes Medications Alternative and complementary therapies

At this time there are no surgical procedures to treat IBS.

References

American Gastroenterological Association website. Available at: http://www.gastro.org/ . Accessed March 6, 2006.

Fauci AS, Braunwald E, Isselbacher KJ, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine . 14th ed. New York, NY: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2000.

International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, Inc. website. Available at: http://www.iffgd.org/ . Accessed March 6, 2006.

Revision Information

Reviewer: Daus Mahnke, MD
Review Date: 10/2012
Update Date: 10/11/2012

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.