Stress management strategies work on the mind-body connection and have been shown to reducing IBS symptoms. These include:
Hypnotherapy. Hypnotic induction and suggestions shift how the brain responds to gut signals. This technique relieves symptoms in over 70 percent of people with IBS. (28)
Mindfulness Meditation. This involves sustained present-moment attention and has been shown to reduce abdominal pain, bloating, and other IBS symptoms. (29)
Yoga. Has been shown to relieve specific symptoms of IBS, such as diarrhea. A study in adolescents showed yoga lowered scores for gastrointestinal symptoms. (30)
Medication
A wide variety of pharmaceuticals treat symptoms of IBS. These may be over-the-counter medications or prescription and include:
Fiber supplements: such as Metamucil to decrease constipation in constipation-dominant IBS.
Laxatives: to improve the movement of contents through the intestines and decrease constipation.
Antidiarrhea medications: such as loperamide reduce diarrhea as a symptom of IBS.
Antispasmodics: to reduce spasming of the colon, associated with abdominal pain.
Antidepressant medications: such as tricyclics antidepressants (TCAs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to relieve abdominal pain. These medications are usually prescribed in small doses for IBS.
Pain medication: such as opiates like codeine, may relieve abdominal pain and improve symptoms of diarrhea. (31, 32)
Treatment for GERD
Lifestyle factors are generally recommended as the first line of treatment for GERD. Medication and, in rare cases, surgery may also be prescribed.
Lifestyle changes
The following changes may improve symptoms:
Losing weight, if you are overweight or obese
Avoiding trigger foods
Raising the head of the bed
Quitting smoking
Eating smaller meals
Not eating before bed (33, 34)
Psychological therapies
Hypnotherapy. Hypnosis has also been shown to improve reflux symptoms by reducing anxiety, body vigilance and visceral sensitivity.
Medication
Lifestyle and dietary changes can benefit many people with IBS and GERD. However, if GERD symptoms persist, your doctor may recommend the following:
Proton pump inhibitors: lower the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Common PPI’s include esomeprazole, lansoprazole and omeprazole.
Antacids: to relieve heartburn and other mild symptoms of GERD. Over-the-counter medications include Maalox, Mylanta and Riopan.
H2 blockers: to decrease acid production to relieve symptoms of GERD. Over-the-counter H2 blockers include cimetidine, famotidine and nizatidine. (35, 36)
Surgery
In rare and severe cases, you may require surgery for GERD. The most common procedures are:
Fundoplication: a surgeon performs this using a laparoscope – a thin tube with a video camera. In this ‘keyhole surgery’ the top of the stomach is sewn to the esophagus, creating a one-way valve meant to prevent acid reflux.
Endoscopic techniques: Endoscopic sewing is used to physically constrict the muscles of the sphincter. This adds pressure to the esophagus and minimizes acid reflux. (37)
The Wrap Up
IBS and GERD commonly overlap. The co-occurrence of the two gastrointestinal conditions may be due to changes in the nervous system that alter digestion. Otherwise, it may be due to the broad spectrum of GERD symptoms or overlapping symptom classifications. Fortunately, lifestyle changes and medication treatment may improve symptoms of both conditions.
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