Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that is marked by irregular bowel movements, which can either be too frequent or inadequate. Symptoms of the condition include abdominal pain, gas, and cramping. IBS is not a life-threatening disease but it greatly affects one’s quality of life.

1. Diagnosing irritable bowel syndrome
The doctor will start with a general physical exam and an analysis of your medical history. This will help rule out a single episode of diarrhea. Aside from this, tests will be conducted to ensure you do not suffer from gluten intolerance.

You can be diagnosed with IBS if the following factors are observed:

• There is severe pain in the abdomen before, during, and after a bowel movement.
• There is a change in texture and frequency of bowel movement.
• The symptoms have been present anywhere between three weeks to six months.
• Bloating in and around the abdomen.

Additionally, the doctor will perform the following tests:

• Blood tests to rule out anemia or any other disease.
• Stool tests to rule out any infection in the feces.
• Colonoscopy to check for any other digestive disease.
• X-ray or CT scan to check for other possible causes of swelling in the abdomen.

Finally, the doctor will also inquire as to whether you have a family history of abdominal diseases such as IBS, colon cancer, and so on.

2. Treating irritable bowel syndrome
Once the right cause of IBS is diagnosed, treatment begins to help the patient manage symptoms and reduce discomfort. Treating IBS is done through administering prescribed medication and certain lifestyle and dietary changes. The following are some of the ways to treat IBS.

• Medication
  Medicines that are designed exclusively for treating IBS include Alosetron, Eluxadoline, and Linaclotide, among others. Each of these helps regularize the movement of the bowels through the colon.
• Laxatives
  Patients who suffer from constipation due to IBS are prescribed laxatives to help in the smooth movement of bowels with minimal discomfort.
• Anti-diarrhea medicines
  These over-the-counter medicines can provide relief from diarrhea which is commonly associated with IBS. Loperamide is a medication commonly prescribed in this case.
• Painkillers and antidepressants
  Some patients are prescribed painkillers such as gabapentin to cope with abdominal pain and bloating. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be prescribed to help with depression associated with discomfort from extreme cases of IBS.
• Eliminating trigger foods
  A crucial step to successfully treating IBS is the elimination of trigger foods from the diet. These include foods such as cabbage and cauliflower that tend to produce gas in the body, and foods high in gluten such as wheat and barley.
• Fiber diet
  Eating a fiber-rich diet helps get relief from the symptoms of IBS. Fiber-rich food items are beans, legumes, strawberries, bananas, whole-grain bread, potatoes, carrots, beetroot, nuts, and spinach.
• A healthy routine
  Finally, one of the best ways to regulate the bowel movement is by following a healthy lifestyle. Get sufficient sleep at night, exercise daily, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.