A wide range of other therapies has been used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Treatment methods that help you better cope with stress can help reduce symptoms.

Other Treatment Choices

Psychological treatment

The following treatment options may help relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). These treatment methods are usually more effective if they are used along with other treatment methods, such as diet changes, stress reduction, and sometimes medication.

• Therapy. Psychotherapy and behavioral therapy may be effective if you have pain caused by IBS. Some people who use these treatment methods may have long-term relief.
• Hypnosis. Hypnosis may be an effective way to treat IBS that does not respond to other treatment methods.¹¹ Hypnosis can help some people relax, which may relieve abdominal pain. Hypnosis has been especially successful in people younger than age 50.
• Relaxation or meditation. Relaxation training and meditation involve concentrating on a word, image, or phrase for a given length of time to reach a state of deep relaxation. It may be helpful in reducing generalized muscle tension and abdominal pain. Used regularly, these techniques can be helpful in dealing with stressful situations. With practice, you can learn to relax easily in almost any setting.
• Biofeedback. Biofeedback training may help relieve pain from intestinal spasms. It also may help improve bowel movement control in people who have severe diarrhea.

Complementary treatment

Complementary or alternative treatments, such as Chinese herbal medicine (CHM), have been used in the treatment of IBS symptoms. CHM involves taking combinations of certain plants and/or other natural substances in food and drink.

Peppermint oil has also been used to treat IBS. Peppermint oil has been shown in studies to be better than a placebo in improving symptoms by preventing cramping and spasms in the intestines.¹²

Some people use beneficial bacteria, known as probiotics, to try to improve IBS symptoms. A few studies have indicated some benefit, but they have not proven that probiotics prevent or reduce IBS symptoms.¹³

Antibiotics

Experts are studying whether antibiotics may relieve symptoms of IBS. One small study showed that the antibiotic rifaximin (Xifaxan) relieved the symptoms of stomach bloating and gas. More studies are needed to show if antibiotics relieve long-term symptoms.¹⁴

What To Think About

Some people have been successful at handling stressful situations and controlling their symptoms after trying psychological therapies. These techniques are not harmful and have no side effects. Some of them can be used before a stressful event to prevent or reduce symptoms.