Traveling with IBS: Tips for Managing Symptoms on the Go

The unpredictable nature of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can make travel daunting. However, with careful preparation and practical strategies, it is possible to travel even with IBS. 

IBS is a gastrointestinal disorder that causes uncomfortable symptoms such as gas, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. For people with this condition, various aspects of travel can trigger troubling episodes. 

This article explains why traveling can cause symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, tips for traveling comfortably, and advice on what to pack. 

Travel could cause his IBS: 

IBS is a complex condition that experts believe is caused by the interaction of several factors, including:

Digestive system 

Gut bacteria or microbiome, nervous system 

External factors such as stress

When traveling, people tend to have higher stress levels. and changes in their daily patterns. Sometimes you eat different foods than usual. Any of these factors, or a combination of them, can cause a flare-up of irritable bowel syndrome in some people. 

In a recent study, more than half of participants reported that their irritable bowel syndrome symptoms prevented them from traveling or participating in other social activities. 

Despite these challenges, an IBS patient may be able to minimize the impact of travel on her IBS symptoms. 

Travel tips for people with IBS:

This section provides helpful tips for people with IBS when traveling. Plan your meals in advance. To avoid IBS flare-ups, we recommend packing snacks that won’t upset your digestive system. Consider carrying low-FODMAPTrusted Source granola bars, rice cakes, or gluten-free crackers. 

When eating out, look at the menu in advance to identify restaurants that offer IBS-friendly options. When traveling abroad, learning a few phrases about ingredients can help people with IBS choose menus and discuss meal options.

Another helpful tip is to request a small refrigerator in your hotel room. Alternatively, if you need more control over your diet, consider renting accommodation with kitchen facilities. 

When it comes to food safety, it’s important to be careful to avoid food poisoning, which can worsen IBS symptoms. Avoiding buffets and street vendors, especially in unfamiliar locations, can help reduce the risk of consuming contaminated food.

Maintain a regular sleep and exercise schedule: 

Disruption of regular sleep habits can increase stress levels and digestive problems, which can lead to IBS symptoms. 

It helps to maintain a consistent sleep schedule, even if you’re in different time zones. This may be possible by gradually adjusting your sleep and wake times. 

Incorporating regular exercise can also help control bowel movements, reduce stress, and promote overall digestive health. 

Staying active, like taking a brisk walk, finding a nearby gym, or practicing yoga in your hotel room, may have a positive impact on his IBS symptoms. 

Know where the restrooms are: 

It’s important to know where the restrooms are to avoid potential emergencies during your trip. 

When boarding, please choose an aisle seat where you can easily go to the restroom and quickly respond to urgent matters. 

Similarly, when setting out on a road trip, be aware of the location of rest stops along the way. 

When traveling to other countries, it is beneficial to learn to ask for toilet locations in the local language. Additionally, it’s important to understand how public restrooms in your area operate. Different countries have different toilet customs and may charge a fee to use public facilities. 

Take steps to reduce stress: 

If you have IBS, it’s important to reduce stress while traveling to prevent symptoms from recurring.

Traveling can be physically and mentally taxing, so it’s important to take time out to refresh and relax. 

Experts recommend avoiding excessive intake of caffeine and alcohol. Because these substances can increase stress levels and interfere with digestion. 

Another effective way to reduce stress is to practice yoga and other mindfulness practices. Light stretching, deep breathing, and meditation can reduce stress, promote relaxation, and support healthy digestion.

IBS Travel Checklist: 

Here is a list of items that people with IBS may find helpful to bring when traveling. 

Safe snacks like low-FODMAP granola bars, gluten-free crackers, or trail mix 

Specific food supplies or kitchen tools needed for self-cooking 

Comfort items for comfort 

Language translation apps or phrase books 

Bottled water or refillable Items 

Medicines 

Prescription medicines for diarrhea or constipation 8 Wet wipes 

Extra underwear 

Hand sanitizer 

Keep these items readily available in your travel kit so people don’t have to worry about surprises. You can avoid the situation and feel better prepared to deal with your IBS episode. 

Summary: 

Traveling can be stressful for people with irritable bowel syndrome, as the disruption to their normal lifestyle and eating habits can trigger symptoms. 

Planning makes people feel less anxious and more prepared. You can reduce your risk of developing IBS by eating safe breakfasts and maintaining a regular sleep and exercise schedule. 

Especially when traveling abroad or flying, it is also helpful to be prepared for emergencies, such as knowing where the toilets are and carrying the appropriate medication.

If dietary changes do not reduce your irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, your NYU Langone doctor may prescribe one or more medications to treat your symptoms. Our gastroenterologists focus on relieving the symptoms that most interfere with your quality of life. 

Anti-diarrheal medications: 

Diarrhea occurs when the body does not absorb enough water from food passing through the intestines. As a result, you need to defecate more frequently to get rid of excess fluid.

If diarrhea is your main symptom, your doctor may recommend anti-diarrheal medication. These drugs slow digestion, allowing the intestines to absorb more water from the stool before it is expelled from the body. However, frequent consumption can cause constipation. 

Antidiarrheal medications are available over the counter or by prescription. Laxatives and Stool Softeners Laxatives and stool softeners are used to relieve constipation that occurs when bowel movements are infrequent or difficult. Hard stools can cause cramps and abdominal pain. The same applies to irregular bowel movements. During defecation, stools may become hard and difficult to defecate, causing straining. 

Your doctor may recommend using an over-the-counter laxative or stool softener to increase the amount of water in your stool and make it easier to pass stools. 

If he has less than one bowel movement per week, the doctor may prescribe stronger laxatives to stimulate the digestive system. In some cases, these drugs can cause diarrhea or abdominal pain. 

Medications for stomach pain and bloating: 

Stomach pain and bloating are common symptoms of IBS and may be accompanied by diarrhea, constipation, or both. Some people find abdominal pain (which can feel like a deep, stabbing pain, similar to stomach cramps) to be the most bothersome symptom of his IBS. Our doctor will recommend one or more medications to reduce your pain.

Antispasmodics: 

For abdominal pain associated with irritable bowel syndrome, your doctor may recommend antispasmodics, which are prescribed to relax the intestinal muscles and reduce pain and discomfort. 

Some research suggests that peppermint oil, an extract available at health food stores, may act as a natural antispasmodic. Your doctor can determine whether peppermint oil is right for you. 

Probiotics: 

Probiotics are dietary supplements that contain beneficial microorganisms already present in the gastrointestinal tract. As a result of IBS, the microbial environment of the digestive system, or gut microbiome, becomes imbalanced when the number of “good” bacteria in the body exceeds the number of “bad” bacteria. A bacterial imbalance can cause gas, bloating, and abnormal bowel movements. 

For some people, probiotic supplements may help restore the proper balance of “good” and “bad” bacteria. Dosage depends on the type of supplement recommended by your doctor. Researchers at New York University Langone are leading the way in evaluating the role of the gut microbiome in the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. 

Nonabsorbable antibiotics: 

If a hydrogen breath test shows bacterial overgrowth in your intestines, your doctor may recommend a non absorbable antibiotic, such as rifaximin. This type of medication is prescribed to target the bacteria that causes her gas, bloating, and other IBS symptoms. 

Unlike other antibiotics, nonabsorbable antibiotics are not absorbed into the bloodstream or into the body, so they can target gut bacteria. 

Your doctor may prescribe this medication to be taken by mouth for about 10 days. 

Antidepressants: 

Some antidepressants, when prescribed in low doses, block pain signals that travel between the digestive system and the brain, reducing abdominal pain. These include tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. 

These drugs can have side effects, such as weight gain and mood swings, even when taken in low doses. Therefore, it is important that you and your doctor make regular follow-up appointments to determine the dosage of the medication that will relieve IBS symptoms without causing side effects.

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