Can a permanent cure for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) be achieved? Exploring home solutions and treatments

Can a permanent cure for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) be achieved? Exploring home solutions and treatments

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a condition that affects a person's intestines, can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation. There is currently no cure for IBS, but treatments and strategies can help manage symptoms effectively.

Recent advancements and ongoing research in finding a cure for IBS focus primarily on better understanding its underlying mechanisms and improving diagnosis and treatment. Key recent developments include:

1. Discovery of the role of gut hormone INSL5: Research from the University of Cambridge identified that INSL5, a gut hormone, may explain about 40% of IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D) cases. This finding opens the possibility of a blood test for diagnosing IBS-D related to bile acid diarrhea and targeting INSL5 for treatment. The anti-sickness drug ondansetron, known to block INSL5 action in animal models, showed effectiveness in patients with high INSL5 levels, suggesting repurposing or developing similar therapies may benefit IBS treatment.
2. Development of diagnostic tests: Rowan University researchers are supported by the NSF I-Corps program to commercialize a rapid, definitive diagnostic test for IBS. Currently, IBS diagnosis is by exclusion, causing long delays and stress for patients. Such tests aim to accelerate diagnosis and symptom management.
3. Clinical trials for symptom management: Recent randomized controlled trials, such as one evaluating a proprietary kiwifruit extract, target constipation-predominant IBS (IBS-C) to improve symptoms. While not a cure, such treatments help manage symptoms effectively.
4. Broader clinical research in related conditions: UCSD runs clinical trials on inflammatory bowel diseases, including therapies targeting immune pathways for conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. These are related but distinct from IBS, with ongoing efforts to evaluate targeted immunomodulators and other agents.

In summary, the latest IBS research is improving understanding of gut hormones like INSL5 and their role in symptoms, offering promising diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Although no cure currently exists, advances in hormone-based diagnostics and treatments such as ondansetron modulation, as well as symptom-managing trials, are significant steps forward. Development of rapid diagnostic tests is also a critical focus to reduce patient burden and optimize care.

Doctors may recommend a low FODMAP diet to manage IBS symptoms, as certain carbohydrates in some foods can make IBS symptoms worse. A doctor may also recommend keeping a food diary to identify and avoid foods that trigger IBS symptoms.

Treatments for constipation can include laxatives, fiber supplements, lubiprostone, linaclotide, plecanatide, and prescription medication like eluxadoline. For diarrhea, treatments can include prescription medication like ondansetron, OTC medication such as loperamide, and antibiotics like rifaximin.

Doctors may prescribe medication for IBS, depending on a person's symptoms. Home remedies such as eating more fiber, avoiding gluten, getting enough physical activity, reducing stress, making time to relax, and getting enough quality sleep can also help manage symptoms of IBS.

In some cases, doctors may refer a person for psychological therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and gut-directed hypnotherapy, if other treatments do not relieve their IBS symptoms. Examples of drinks suitable for IBS include water, herbal teas, lactose-free milk, and probiotic drinks.

People can manage their IBS symptoms with a variety of treatments, including dietary changes, medication, and mental health therapies. However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice and treatment plans.

[1] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41501-021-00838-w [2] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41501-021-00837-x [3] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/03/210310105306.htm [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7114404/ [5] https://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/pressrelease/uc-san-diego-researchers-receive-national-institutes-of-health-grant-to-develop-immunotherapy-for-inflammatory-bowel-disease

1. The established science surrounding IBS has revealed the potential of gut hormone INSL5 in explaining around 40% of IBS with diarrhea cases, opening possibilities for blood tests and targeting INSL5 for treatment.
2. In an attempt to accelerate diagnosis and symptom management, the NSF I-Corps program is supporting Rowan University researchers to develop a rapid, definitive diagnostic test for IBS.
3. In the realm of health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, getting enough physical activity, reducing stress, and ensuring quality sleep can aid in managing IBS symptoms.
4. As part of mental health therapies, cognitive behavioral therapy and gut-directed hypnotherapy may be prescribed to individuals with IBS whose symptoms are not relieved through other treatments.
5. Thehealthcare industry's focus on IBS treatments has led to various therapies and medications for constipation, such as laxatives, fiber supplements, and prescription drugs like eluxadoline, while treatments for diarrhea may include prescription medication like ondansetron, OTC medicine like loperamide, and antibiotics like rifaximin.
6. In line with the medical-conditions that demand personalized attention, consulting a health professional is crucial for obtaining individualized advice on treatment plans and navigating IBS management, which may involve a low FODMAP diet, nutritional adjustments, and tailored therapies and treatments.

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