Abdominal pain is a common symptom ofirritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Fortunately, a lot of treatment options are available to help you feel and function better.
Home Remedies
Not every IBS abdominal-pain treatment requires a healthcare provider and a prescription.
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Some common home remedies are peppermint oil and a heating pad.
Additionally, peppermint also relaxes the muscles in the esophagus and can contribute to heartburn due to acid reflux.
Talk to your healthcare provider before taking any peppermint oil supplements.
American College of Gastroenterology guidelines published in 2021 recommend peppermint oil for alleviating abdominal pain and overall IBS symptoms.
Heating Pad
A simple and inexpensive way of treating abdominal pain is with a home heating pad.
Heat can help soothe cramping muscles and provide a source of comfort.
To be effective, antispasmodics should be taken 30 to 60 minutes before a meal.
Antidepressants seem to be more helpful when taken at night for people with diarrhea-predominant IBS (D-IBS).
It may take several weeks of treatment with an antidepressant before it has an effect on abdominal pain.
A Word From Verywell
Pain is a significant problem for people with IBS.
There are several options available for relieving pain from IBS.
Everyone with IBS deserves relief from pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
A heating pad may help with constipation.
However, the symptoms that saw improvement differed between each study.
International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD).IBS patients: their illness experience and unmet needs.
Enck P, Aziz Q, Barbara G, et al.Irritable bowel syndrome.Nat Rev Dis Primers.
2016;2:16014. doi:10.1038/nrdp.2016.14
Camilleri M, Boeckxstaens G.Dietary and pharmacological treatment of abdominal pain in IBS.Gut.
2019;11(9):2048. doi:10.3390/nu11092048
