Irritable Bowel Syndrome Pain: How to Cope
Irritable bowel syndrome can be an extremely painful condition, and since there is no cure or knowledge as to what exactly causes irritable bowel syndrome pain, for many people the only way to cope with it is by preventing symptoms the best they can. Symptoms vary in severity from person to person and can range from bloating and gas to diarrhea and painful cramping, so there is no one way to avoid the pain that many people experience with this condition. It is up to you and your health care provider to come up with the best IBS treatment plan for you.
Whether you experience occasional cramping or frequent irritable bowel syndrome pain, there are a few remedies available to help you keep your condition under control:
- Avoid the foods that trigger your symptoms. It may take some time and some uncomfortable experimentation, but figuring out and then eliminating or limiting the foods and beverages that trigger your pain can help you manage your condition.
- Limit alcohol. Alcoholic beverages almost always cause a reaction in people with IBS. Limiting your intake (or eliminating it completely from your diet) is highly recommended.
- Exercise frequently. If you're healthy enough to partake in it, vigorous exercise helps to relax and build stronger muscles around the abdomen, which can help keep painful muscle spasms under control.
If you are experiencing symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome, speak with your doctor. Other conditions must be ruled out before IBS can be diagnosed, and your health care provider may be able to help you get on a treatment plan that works best for you and your needs.
|