How to Relieve IBS Pain Instantly?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal health condition that causes diarrhoea, constipation and abdominal pain. Various medications, such as laxatives & antispasmodics, pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, massage and relaxation techniques, help relieve the pain.

This article discusses various ways to manage IBS pain and explains some IBS triggers and the nature of IBS pain. Continue reading for more details.  

What are the triggers of IBS pain? 

Various triggers trigger IBS pain. According to a recent review by Professor Maleesha Jayasinghe and colleagues (Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing), the dietary factors that help trigger IBS are eating foods high in gluten and FODMAPs, experiencing dehydration, eating spicy foods, and using caffeine and alcohol. 

Some factors that are not associated with a diet but cause IBS pain are menstruation, eating too fast, taking certain medications, e.g., some antibiotics and antidepressants, and stress. Avoiding these dietary and non-d dietary triggers helps those who are struggling with IBS pain. 

The nature of IBS pain

It is a subjective matter that depends upon many individual factors. People experiencing IBS pain describe their feelings differently. The most common symptoms are throbbing, aching, stabbing, sharp, cramping, dull, and constant pain. The symptoms also vary from time to time, and the same person often experiences different symptoms at different times. 

Methods of relieving IBS pain instantly 

Although there is no instant method that helps relieve IBS pain, some methods provide moderate and temporary relief. This section details some home remedies and medications that help relieve IBS pain.  

IBS medications 

Several medications help reduce the pain associated with IBS. Antispasmodics, including peppermint oil and hyoscine, are the first line of defence for diarrhoea-associated IBS. These medications help reduce abdominal cramping. If these are ineffective, doctors prescribe other drugs, such as tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), as they have similar effects.

These medications improve the IBS-associated pain by reducing cramping. For constipation linked IBS, simethicone and laxatives help relieve abdominal pain due to constipation and bloating.  

To buy pain relief medications at Welzo, visit us by clicking here. 

Pain management 

Abdominal pain is one of the significant IBS symptoms—people with IBS experience improvement in pain symptoms with over-the-counter pain medications. Nevertheless, many traditionally used painkillers are ineffective against IBS pain. Some people also experience worsening symptoms, e.g., diarrhoea and constipation.

These medications include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, e.g., acetaminophen. However, these medications need care and must be stopped as soon as the signs of worsening symptoms appear. 

Heat Application 

Applying heat to the abdomen helps reduce IBS pain by relaxing the abdominal muscles. Some practical ways to apply heat to the abdominal region are using a heating pad or heat pack, a bottle containing hot water, or a hot water bath or shower. 

Gentle massage 

Gentle abdominal massage helps alleviate the pain associated with IBS by inducing relaxation and delivering a soothing sensation to the patients. The massage techniques involve the light movement of hands in a circular motion on the abdomen.

The other abdominal massage techniques for IBS pain are kneading, tapping, acupressure, deep breathing massage, petrissage and effleurage. It is necessary not to press the hand too much, as it worsens the symptoms. 

Warm drink 

Drinking warm beverages helps ease IBS pain, yet scientific research is necessary to prove it. Drinks such as plain warm water, water containing citrus juice or fruits and herbal teas, such as peppermint and ginger, are highly effective. It is advised to use warm liquids rather than hot ones and avoid those containing sugar, caffeine and alcohol. 

Relaxation techniques 

Stress and anxiety are the triggers of IBS and even worsen the symptoms, e.g., IBS pain. So, relaxation techniques help manage the IBS symptoms by reducing anxiety and stress. The effective relaxation techniques for this purpose are progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing exercises, Tai Chi, yoga, and medications. 

These techniques help manage anxiety and stress, and the evidence by the National Institute of Health (NIH) supports these claims. Yet, the efficacy of these techniques is unclear. 

When to consult a doctor? 

People with untreated and severe IBS pain must discuss the condition with their doctor and take suitable medications after clinical review. The consultation is necessary if the IBS is accompanied by signs such as bloody stools, fever, persistent constipation and diarrhoea, persistent vomiting and nausea, abdominal tenderness, yellowing of skin associated with jaundice and abdominal swelling.  

Frequently Asked Questions 

How to calm down an IBS attack immediately? 

It depends upon the main symptoms associated with the IBS attack. For example, people with cramping as a significant symptom must use anti-cramping medications that relieve the pain by relaxing the muscles of the intestines. These medications include pinaverium and cimetropium. 

Which painkillers are the best for IBS pain? 

The laxatives and antispasmodics offer the best results to relieve IBS pain. Besides, acetaminophen and Buscopan relieve cramping and period pain. It is necessary to fund the best choices for a specific person. 

Which is the most significant trigger for IBS? 

Eating improper and undercooked foods is the most significant risk factor for IBS. These foods include sugary foods, such as dry fruits, high fructose syrup, mangoes, watermelon and apples; foods containing polyols, such as cauliflower, peaches, avocados, apricots and cherries; and lactose-containing foods, such as yoghourt, ice cream, cheese and milk. 

Does lying down help improve IBS symptoms? 

Sleeping on the left side or back helps relieve IBS symptoms. These positions better position the gut to digest foods. Sleeping on the right side worsens the symptoms of IBS. 

What are the self-remedies for IBS? 

Cooking at home using fresh ingredients is preferable for those with IBS symptoms. A diary of foods a person takes and symptoms experienced helps to judge the symptoms better. Engaging in regular physical exercises, finding more ways to relax, and using foods, e.g., probiotics, are proven and effective methods. 

Which foods are best for those with IBS? 

Eating easy-to-digest foods, such as plain and lactose-free Greek yoghourt, extra firm tofu, fish, chicken, and turkey and using lower-fat cooking methods, such as boiling, steaming, roasting and baking, is practical and helps with uncontrollable symptoms. 

Bottom-line  

People having IBS experience mild to moderate and even severe abdominal pain. This pain often worsens in response to dietary factors, e.g., caffeine and alcohol and non-dietary triggers, e.g., stress. Avoiding the IBS triggers is not always possible, yet it promises some relief from the symptoms. 

Some medications, e.g., painkillers, help those with IBS pain, but they worsen the risk and condition in some cases. Home remedies, e.g., tai chi, yoga and other relaxation techniques, abdominal massage and application of heat to the abdomen are effective. 

We have dedicated an entire page containing IBS medications, allowing patients to seek medical help. Visit it for all these services. Likewise, another page at Welzo deals with diarrhoea, its treatments and medications. Visit it for more details.