Irritable bowel syndrome

Patients should be helped to feel more in control and able to manage their symptoms. A support group may be an effective way to achieve this. Patients should be advised to limit, or completely eliminate possible precipitating substances such as caffeine, lactose, or fructose. Symptom monitoring with a diary can be helpful to identify these substances. Patients should also be asked to consider taking a daily probiotic and fibre supplement, and to ensure adequate fluid intake.