Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment: Regular exercise, Eat a healthy and well-balanced diet

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - Treatments

As IBS is a lifelong condition with no cure, active self-management is crucial for individuals with IBS. Patients are encouraged to learn how to monitor their symptoms and rely on self-help measures during symptom flares. Identifying specific triggers, such as food, irregular meals, medications, and stress, is essential for managing IBS symptoms. Keeping a symptom diary can help individuals track their symptoms and food intake, enabling them to make informed dietary adjustments.

Some patients with mild symptoms of IBS may not require a specialist for management, and certain medications can be obtained in GP clinics or polyclinics. The following medications may be prescribed:

Anti-diarrhoeal (e.g. loperamide)
Antispasmodics (e.g. meteospasmyl)
Laxatives (e.g. forlax, lactulose)

Your doctor may also prescribe probiotics, antibiotics, and newer laxatives to target specific symptoms.

Additionally, lifestyle modifications, including regular exercise, adequate sleep, well-balanced diet, and proper positioning for opening bowels, can help manage symptoms. Download the document below for more advice about breathing exercises, managing your symptoms with a food diary, step-by-step breathing exercises, and more:

IBS Patient Information.pdf

SGH also has a weekly integrated gastropsychology clinic that provides holistic treatment to patients. The links below can provide further information to this clinic being featured in The Straits Times: