How can irritable bowel syndrome be managed?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 47-year-old male. I am suffering from severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes constipation and I was diagnosed with irritable bowel disease. My doctor has suggested the tablet Linzess 290 mcg to be taken every day but should I take it lifelong? Can bowel disease be treated with this medication or does this just reduce my symptoms? What is the permanent solution for my condition? What are the major side effects of the tablet Linzess that I should be aware of? Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

We value the high level of confidence that you have in us.

The tablet Linaclotide (Linzess) is relatively a new medicine. More than treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), it is predominantly used in the treatment of constipation. It is usually very well tolerated, but in your case, if you predominantly suffer from constipation, then you can take it, but if your chief complaint is diarrhea, then it may worsen your symptoms. Irritable bowel syndrome is usually associated with anxiety and a sensitive personality, hence, try to be calm. Avoid abdominal symptoms, because if you concentrate on these symptoms more and try to micromanage them, it will worsen the symptoms because bowel habits are under sub-conscious mind control rather than conscious mind control.

Medicines for irritable bowel syndrome tend to reduce the symptoms. The drug that is prescribed to you is relatively well tolerated, but since it is used to treat constipation, diarrhea can occur as a side effect.

I wish you good health.

Thank you.