6 Effective Strategies for Handling an IBS Attack

As anyone living with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) knows, an IBS attack can be both physically and emotionally draining. Beyond the pain and discomfort, people with IBS often find themselves panicking to find a bathroom or worrying that they may be caught out in public unprepared.

Luckily, there are things that you can do to help alleviate the symptoms of an attack (and even help avoid them in the future).

This article offers some techniques for managing IBS flare-ups.

Use Heat to Treat Spasms

During an IBS attack, it helps to apply heat to the abdomen with either an electric heating pad or a hot water bottle. The gentle heat feels nice. It also helps stimulate the blood flow and relax the smooth muscles of the colon, reducing spasms and cramps.

Sip IBS-Friendly Teas

Sipping a nice cup of IBS-friendly tea can be soothing. It can also further help alleviate painful spasms and cramps.

IBS-friendly teas are not fermented and do not contain any of the ingredients that can trigger or inflame your IBS symptoms. IBS-friendly teas include:

• Peppermint
• Black tea
• White tea
• Green tea

By contrast, teas you may think are safe (like chamomile, chai, dandelion, and certain herbal teas) can become problematic if you let them steep for a long time. So if you choose to drink these teas, let them sit for just a minute or two for a weak steep.

Breathe Deeply and Relax

Your body's natural stress response can have a dramatic effect on your IBS. That's because stress can trigger the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can increase IBS symptoms.

Several breathing techniques can combat the effect of stress on IBS.

Deep Breathing

Breathing deeply not only helps calm the nerves. It also sends powerful messages to the brain, telling it that everything is okay and no need for emergency response.

Yoga

Pranayama breathing is a yoga practice in which you control the flow and pace of your breathing. It is beneficial for coping with IBS. People often incorporate it into certain meditation practices.

Guided Imagery

Guided imagery is another relaxation technique in which you create mental images to stimulate calm feelings. By doing so, you gently shift your thoughts away from the areas of physical discomfort.

Keep a Symptom Diary

Keeping track of your symptoms can help you identify patterns in your IBS attacks. For example, when you use a diary, you may start to notice which things tend to cause your symptoms to flare, including:

• Foods you eat
• Activities you engage in
• Routines that cause stress

Knowing, for example, that you are more likely to experience attacks in the morning can help you plan your day. By identifying and recording these patterns, you can remove many of the "what-ifs" from your life. In addition, this sense of preparedness can help you participate in activities more confidently.

Know Your FODMAPS

Fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) are a group of carbohydrates found in foods that contribute to IBS symptoms. These carbohydrates are poorly absorbed in the intestine. This poor absorption can result in bacterial overgrowth, leading to increased gas, bloating, pain, and watery stools.

By focusing on foods low in FODMAPs, you can decrease your gastrointestinal sensitivity and provide yourself much-needed relief after an IBS attack.

Be aware that restricting your diet can lead to nutritional deficiencies that can damage your health and increase your IBS symptoms. Instead, focus on moderation and eat smaller meals to avoid overtaxing your digestive system.

Consider Medication

There is an ever-widening range of medications to treat both diarrhea-predominant IBS and constipation-predominant IBS. These include:

• Antispasmodics to alleviate cramping
• Bile acid binders to reduce diarrhea
• Osmotic laxatives to relieve constipation

Newer-generation drugs like Viberzi (eluxadoline) and Xifaxan (rifaximin) are specially designed to treat IBS. These offer greater symptom control than ever before.

Work with a Healthcare Provider

There is no need to suffer in silence. Working with a healthcare provider can help you pinpoint what triggers your IBS.

From there, you'll be more likely to find strategies that may offer better and more sustainable control of your IBS symptoms.

Summary

There are many things you can do to manage IBS symptoms. Heat, tea, relaxation, keeping track of symptoms, and eating a low-FODMAP diet can all help. Importantly, working with a healthcare provider is the best way to develop a treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle changes, stress reduction, and medication.