Although there is no permanent cure for IBS, there are numerous ways to relieve the symptoms, such as making changes in the diet, religiously following any medication advised, regular exercising, and identifying stress factors and releasing stress.

Before embarking on a treatment plan, some prescribed tests are first conducted on a patient to eliminate the possibility of any other disease. Further tests are undertaken to determine whether the patient is really suffering from IBS or not. These include sigmoidoscopy, biopsy, colonoscopy, stool testing and X-ray of the bowels. It is only after establishing the existence of IBS beyond any doubt that the physician can formally start the treatment.

There are two medicines, clinically tested and approved, that are available for treating IBS. These are Lotronex and Zelnorm. However, being symptom specific, they do not make for a very viable medication. Drugs such as antidepressants and antispasmodics are sometimes recommended by the physicians.

There is a wide range of self-help techniques available. IBS patients have at their disposal a specially designed self-hypnosis program for carrying out hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapy has a high rate of success and helps in reducing tension and anxiety. Gut-directed or gut-specific hypnotherapy is also available. Yoga is another way of relieving tension. It is a widely accepted fact that yoga helps to fight depression that often accompanies IBS. In fact, there are specific yoga postures that assist in digestion.

There is direct link between sleep and IBS symptoms. Thus it is important for an IBS patient to have a good night's sleep. Stress management therapies can ensure a relaxed sleep at night. Acupuncture is also being recognized as an efficient means to handle IBS symptoms. However, it should only be carried out by a professional and is something that should not be done by amateurs.