3 On Your Side: New IBS Treatment

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- With the Thanksgiving holiday fast approaching stress is building. And for some with a common disorder all the pressure and anxiety can be devastating. 3 On Your Side Medical Reporter Stephanie Stahl has information on a possible new treatment.

One in five Americans suffer with a disorder called Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS.

Drinking at holiday parties and the stresses of things like holiday get-togethers can worsen symptoms.
Treating it can be tricky, but there's new hope.

Ordinary activities like shopping were almost impossible for Bonnie Yaney.. because of the bloating and discomfort from IBS.

"Everything I ate would upset my stomach," said Bonnie. She tried the standard treatments, like fiber and medications, to settle her digestive system, but they didn't work or made things worse.

"I was nauseated. I was lightheaded," said Bonnie. She was then prescribed a drug FDA approved for traveler's diarrhea, an antibiotic called Xifaxan. The medication restores a healthy balance of microbes in the digestive tract.

"We have about eight billion bacteria that live in our intestine. That bacteria probably has some role in that interaction with the nervous system of the intestine," said Dr. Paul Lebovitz, a Gastroenterologist.

The drug is in its final phase of research as a treatment for IBS, and it's working for patients like Bonnie. She now has her life back.

"I'll stay on it as long as I can, as long as it helps me. It's worth trying it really is.," said Bonnie.

Like with any antibiotic, ironically, there is a risk of developing an intestinal bacterial infection after taking this medication.

For now since patients are prescribed the medication off label they have to pay out of pocket, and it can be costly.

REALTED LINK:

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Information- http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/ibs/