Introduction
Since the exact causes of irritable bowel syndrome are not yet sufficiently known, there is no causal therapy available. Rather, the aim of the therapy that has been initiated is to alleviate complaints and combat symptoms. The therapy of irritable bowel syndrome can be roughly divided into three pillars: On the one hand, general measures such as dietary changes, a change in lifestyle and a reduction in stress can already considerably alleviate the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
Furthermore, psychosomatic basic care and psychotherapy can also lead to success in the fight against irritable bowel syndrome. The third pillar consists of the specific treatment of the main complaints (diarrhea or constipation, abdominal pain, flatulence and psychological complaints) with drugs against irritable bowel syndrome, which are specifically targeted. There is usually no standard therapy or first-choice medication.
Rather, different medications can be used for different patients, depending on which complaints are in the foreground and in what intensity. The individualized treatment approach is considered successful if the symptoms improve permanently and the drugs administered are consistently well tolerated. However, it is important to note that the administration of drugs for irritable bowel syndrome is not permanent, but should only be used for a short period of time (approx. 3 months).
Medication for abdominal pain
The abdominal pains that occur in the context of irritable bowel syndrome are usually of a spasmodic character, which is why so-called antispasmodic agents are primarily used. Effective applications that can be carried out independently are the use of hot water bottles or warm compresses to counteract the abdominal cramps. In addition to herbal remedies or usual household remedies such as peppermint or caraway oils or caraway, fennel or aniseed teas, prescription drugs such as Buscopan (N-butyl-scopalamine), Duspatal (mebeverine) or Trospium chloride can also be used.
While the herbal remedies mainly have a flatulent and calming effect on the intestine, the prescription drugs are aimed specifically at relaxing the intestinal muscles. In addition, however, soluble dietary fibres (Plantago ovataMukofalk), drugs for treating depression (tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin reuptake inhibitors) or probiotics (E. coli MisslMutaflor) can also be used. The antidepressants have an effect on the serotonin metabolism in the body, which can play an important role both in depression and irritable bowel syndrome.
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