Hello,
Firstly, try to quit smoking, disease like IBS is very common these days and it can be managed instead damage caused by smoke can ruin your life.
Coming to
sore throat and flu like symptoms, warm salt water gargle thrice a day and keeping
oral hygiene by brushing twice will take care of sore throat. You may use
betadine gargle instead of salt water and it is easily available over the counter.
For cold, try over the counter flu tablet once a day like Tab. Levocet or Tab. Zyrtec.
Now looking at the IBS issue, limit intake of spicy food, caffeine, alcohol, fried food, sugary food, vegetables like lettuce and cabbage, and all soft drinks.
These food will make you feel bloated and cause
stomach discomfort. Try to add fiber supplement to your daily routine like Lactifber or
Metamucil.
Apart from these you may add natural supplement like Iberogast and
probiotic rich food like yogurt. IBS can be treated using medication which can reduce gastric motility, consult your GP to get a prescription.
In addition, the most important factor in management of IBS is reducing stress, try
meditation, yoga or any other activity you enjoy to relieve stress.
Hope I have answered your queries. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Ayesha Shareef, General & Family Physician