How Do You Know if You Have IBS and What's Available Over the Counter?

Mar 01, 2023 IBS/Cramps

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of the large intestine that can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. These include pain, gas, bloating, constipation, and diarrhoea. It is a common health condition, impacting millions of people around the world. In this blog post, we will take a look at what IBS is, its symptoms, and treatment options available for those living with this condition.

 

How Do You Know if you have IBS? 

IBS looks and feels different from person to person. Bloating, abdominal pain, discomfort, and spasms in the digestive tract are all common and unpleasant symptoms. The severity of the symptoms and how long a flare-up can last vary. 

If you have these symptoms regularly or find it is an ongoing issue your first port of call should be your GP to rule out other issues. After being diagnosed with IBS there are several things you can do to help lessen symptoms, including using over-the-counter remedies that have been specially formulated for IBS support.

 

Getting a Formal Diagnosis of IBS

Unfortunately, there isn’t a simple blood test or similar to diagnose IBS. It tends to be a case of ruling out other issues and monitoring to identify how long your symptoms last and what triggers them. Your GP may ask you to keep a diary to record symptoms and triggers and test you for Coeliac disease, lactose intolerance, or other bowel or gut-related issues.

Eliminating these and recognising a pattern of symptoms is how IBS is diagnosed.

 

What Can Trigger IBS Symptoms and Flare-ups?

IBS triggers are things that can cause Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms to start or become worse. These triggers can vary from person to person, but common triggers include certain foods, stress & anxiety and even hormones. Find out more about the IBS and Anxiety Connection here.

 

What’s the Difference Between IBS and IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)?

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is a digestive disorder. Symptoms include cramping, bloating, excess gas, diarrhoea, and/or constipation. IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) is a group of chronic disorders that cause inflammation or ulceration in the small and large intestines. IBD can lead to more serious complications, such as intestinal bleeding and malnutrition. IBS, although very unpleasant, doesn't cause damage to your gut.

 

Managing IBS

Getting on top of your IBS can take time and patience. Keeping a record of what sets flare-ups off, particularly foods and drinks can help you avoid these moving forward. Stress and anxiety are also IBS triggers in many people. Identifying sources of stress and anxiety and working to lessen or eliminate them can be useful tools. 

There are a number of over-the-counter medications and products that can help too.

 

Products That Can Help with IBS

Doctor Gut contains Natural Mineral Clay that traps toxins that settle in the membranes of the intestines causing bloating, cramping and abdominal pain. Many with IBS find the painful bloating and cramps one of the worst symptoms which is where Doctor Gut comes in.

Doctor Gut contains Diosmectite which can interact with the lining of the gut, making it stronger against things that would irritate it. Studies show that it can help with belly pain and discomfort.

As well as Diosmectite, Doctor Gut Bloating Relief also includes Simethicone. This helps gas bubbles to join together and move more easily, so they can leave the body with less uncomfortable feelings.

Buscopan IBS tablets are an effective solution for those with confirmed IBS who are suffering from the painful symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The tablets are white and sugar-coated, and each one contains 10 mg of Hyoscine butylbromide, a medication that has been proven to help reduce the severity of IBS symptoms. The tablets are easy to take, as they are designed to dissolve quickly in the stomach. For those seeking relief from the discomfort of IBS, Buscopan IBS tablets are certainly worth considering.

When you have IBS you may experience constipation, diarrhoea, or both. Keeping OTC remedies such as Immodium and/or Senokot to hand might be useful.

Please make sure that if you are using IBS remedies, OTC or otherwise that you read the instructions carefully first and get advice from a pharmacist or GP, particularly if you take other medication. Not all IBS medications are suited to everyone.

 

Non-Medical IBS Remedies

Outside of managing triggers and using OTC remedies for your IBS, there are many tried and tested tips and tricks to consider. Peppermint oil tablets (Colpermin IBS Relief), peppermint tea, warm baths, heated wheat bags or hot (warm) water bottles are included in this. As with many conditions, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution but it’s worth considering these when looking at managing IBS.

The IBS Network is a useful source of information and advice which can be useful.

 

How Do You Know You Have IBS and OTC Support - In Conclusion

IBS is a common and long-term condition that affects the large intestine and can cause abdominal pain, bloating, constipation or diarrhoea. It is not a serious illness, and most people can manage their symptoms with lifestyle changes and medication. That said, while it isn’t serious in terms of harming someone who has it, IBS is not to be taken lightly as it can have a significant impact on everyday life. 

If you have any of the symptoms of IBS, it is important to talk to your doctor and get a proper diagnosis. By making the necessary lifestyle and dietary changes, along with the use of medication and alternative therapies, those living with IBS can often find relief from their symptoms and lead a normal life.