Once IBS has been diagnosed, a physician will discuss the treatment strategy with the patient.
First there will be an evaluation of stress level and diet, and the patient will be provided with comprehensive information as to how to improve both. Antispasmodic drugs will probably be prescribed, to reduce the abdominal pain / cramps and to balance the bowel disturbances.
A high-fibre diet can help IBS sufferers. Excessive use of caffeine, alcohol and tobacco must be avoided. Enough rest and exercise are important.
The use of bran is questionable. Some doctors say it helps, some have the idea that it makes IBS worse. Bulking agents appear to be more helpful.

However, on the basis that the underlying problem in IBS involves excess contraction of smooth muscle in the gut wall, it is rational to use drugs to relieve the spasm.

There is a wide range of antispasmodic drugs available with different working mechanisms and side-effects.

Take, for example, drugs with anti-cholinergic properties. These relieve intestinal spasms but interfere with the function of other organs to produce side-effects like dry mouth, blurred vision, urine retention, constipation and drowsiness.

There are other antispasmodics which are available – the so-called musculotropic antispasmodics - which act directly on the smooth muscle cells. These relieve intestinal spasms but do not have the anticholinergic side-effects.

Solvay Pharmaceuticals developed Dicetel® (pinaverium bromide) and Duspatal® (mebeverine hydrochloride).

Antidiarrhoeals, anxiolytics, antidepressants and laxatives are used by IBS patients. These are not discussed here.