Other treatments and prognosis

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Various alternative and complimentary therapies are sometimes used. For example, studies have shown that certain chinese herbal medicines, and probiotics such as Lactobacillus plantarum LP01 and Bifidocterium breve BR0 may help to ease symptoms in some cases. However, more research is needed to clarify their role and usefulness.

Newer medicines that affect certain functions of the gut are also being developed and may become useful treatments in the future.

Assess your symptoms - perhaps keep a diary

As you can see from the above section, there are many different treatments that may be tried for IBS. All will have some effect in some people, but none will help in every person with IBS. So, if you are advised to try a particular treatment, it may be sensible is to keep a symptom diary 'before and after' the start of the treatment. For example, before changing the amount of fibre that you eat, or taking a probiotic, or starting medication. You may wish to jot down in the diary the type and severity of symptoms that you get each day for a week or so. Keep the diary going after you start treatment. You can then assess whether a treatment has improved symptoms or not. No treatment is likely to take away symptoms completely, but treatment can often ease symptoms and improve your quality of life.

What is the outlook (prognosis)?

In most people with IBS, the condition tends to persist long-term. However, the severity of symptoms tends to 'wax and wane' and you may have long spells without any symptoms, or with only mild symptoms. Treatment can often help to ease symptoms when they flare-up. In a minority of cases, symptoms clear for good at some stage.

IBS does not shorten your expected life span, it does not lead to cancer of the bowel, and does not cause blockages of the gut or other serious conditions.

Further help and advice

The IBS Network offers advice, information and support for people with IBS. Visit their website at www.ibsnetwork.org.uk. They also run a helpline staffed by specialist IBS nurses. Call 0114 272 32 53 from Monday to Friday between 6pm and 9pm and Saturday between 10am and 12pm.

To see the IBS Network's free factsheet, click here.

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