Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Current Management and Emerging Support Therapies

Dr Ashleigh Bhanjan
Mar 26
3 min read

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder of gut–brain interaction that affects bowel habits and abdominal comfort.

Unlike Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), IBS does not cause structural damage or visible inflammation of the bowel — but it can significantly impact quality of life.

Understanding IBS

IBS symptoms may include:

Abdominal pain or cramping
Bloating
Diarrhoea, constipation, or alternating patterns
Fatigue, chronic pain syndrome, sleep disturbances, mood disorders

The condition is influenced by:

Gut–brain axis dysfunction
Visceral hypersensitivity (increased pain sensitivity)
Altered gut motility
Stress and lifestyle factors

Current Evidence-Based Management

Modern management focuses on a structured, individualised approach:

1. Lifestyle and Dietary Support

Low-FODMAP diet (when clinically guided)

The low-FODMAP diet is an elimination diet designed to identify specific food triggers in people with sensitive digestive systems. FODMAP stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, And Polyolsa group of poorly absorbed carbohydrates found in a wide variety of foods. This diet reduces consumption of these specific carbohydrates that are difficult for some people to digest, making it an effective tool for managing functional gastrointestinal disorders.
Regular meals and hydration
Stress management
Physical activity

2. Symptom-Targeted Medication

Depending on subtype (IBS-D or IBS-C), treatments may include:

Antispasmodics
Bowel-regulating medications
Gut-directed therapies

3. Gut–Brain Therapies

Because IBS involves nervous system regulation, psychological therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or gut-directed hypnotherapy can benefit selected patients.

Neuromodulation in IBS

IBS is strongly linked to autonomic nervous system imbalance.

This has led to growing interest in neuromodulation therapies, including:

Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)
Emerging light-based therapies

Recent reviews suggest neuromodulation may influence gut motility, pain sensitivity, and inflammatory signaling pathways in selected patients.

Photobiomodulation (LLLT) and IBS

Photobiomodulation therapy, also known as Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), is being explored for its potential to:

Modulate inflammatory pathways
Support microcirculation
Influence oxidative stress
Assist autonomic regulation

Current research is largely preclinical and exploratory in gastrointestinal conditions, but findings suggest possible supportive roles when used as part of a broader management strategy.

It is important to note that LLLT is not a replacement for standard IBS treatment, but may serve as an adjunctive therapy under clinical supervision.

At the Durban Neuro laser Clinic, we utilize a combination of the proposed transcranial and GUT targeted therapies, including the Bioflex Laser therapy device, Medwave light therapy, with IV antioxidant therapy including NAD.

Proposed interactive effects of PBM on fatigue, pain, and depression in people with IBS

Antioxidant Support

Oxidative stress has been proposed as a contributing factor in some IBS patients.

Nutritional strategies and targeted antioxidant support may help optimize metabolic and inflammatory balance as part of a structured wellness plan.

In addition, intravenous (IV) antioxidant therapy could be an alternative in the acute relapsing phase of the illness, when GIT absorption is compromised.

When to Seek Medical Evaluation

Urgent medical review is required if symptoms include:

Blood in stool
Unexplained weight loss
Persistent fever
Night-time symptoms
Anaemia

These may suggest conditions other than IBS, and may warrant clinical review by Gastroenterologist, or Physician.

IBS management is most effective when personalized and layered — combining lifestyle strategies, medical guidance, and in selected cases, emerging supportive therapies such as neuromodulation.