What is the traditional treatment of IBS?
Traditional treatment of IBS is directed at the symptoms, and not at the underlying molecular or cellular abnormalities that may be responsible for IBS. For example, constipation has been treated with fiber supplements, stool softeners, and laxatives; diarrhea has been treated with anti-diarrhea agents such as loperamide (Imodium) or cholestyramine powder (Questran). Abdominal pain and cramps have been treated with anti-spasmodic agents such as Donnatal or Librax, or anti-depressants in low doses to decrease the sensitivity of the intestines to pain. Unfortunately, most of these traditional treatments usually are ineffective or only partially or temporarily effective in treating the symptoms of IBS.
