IBS questions & answers cont...

2) TRY TO RELAX
Many IBS sufferers can find relaxation a big help. There are numerous books and tapes available to help you in this.

		Tried and tested techniques include:
					body awareness - concentrate on different parts of your body in turn
					tensing and relaxing each part of your body in turn
					breathing exercises
					imagery exercises - visualising yourself in a calm place
					listening to relaxing music

3) TRY MEDICATION
There are various treatments available for the treatment of IBS, although some are only available through your doctor.

These medicines include: those that relieve painful spasm in the gut e.g. mebeverine those that increase soluble fibre such as bulk-forming laxatives e.g. ispaghula husk The good news is that there is now an over-the-counter medicine available that combines these two remedies to offer a better chance of symptom relief - Fybogel Mebeverine. (Always read the label/leaflet) This remedy works on several levels: increases the bulk of the bowel contents softens the faeces, making the passing of waste easier acts directly on the bowel to relieve painful muscular spasms

So if you have tried dietary and lifestyle changes and they have not worked - talk to your doctor or pharmacist about treatment options.