Irritable Bowel Syndrome, also known as IBS, is a digestive disorder that affects the gastrointestinal tract, which includes the stomach and large intestine. While IBS isn’t life-threatening, it can cause annoying and often painful abdominal and bowel symptoms.
Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic (reoccurring life-long) illness that you will need to manage long-term and can occur in children and adults regardless of age or gender.
The symptoms of IBS can be painful and upsetting, and many people suffer in silence because they are uncomfortable talking about the gas, bloating, nausea, diarrhea, and or constipation that come with IBS flare-ups.
There is help for irritable bowel syndrome. At River Bend Medical Associates, our healthcare team has the experience and knowledge to help you manage your IBS to prevent flare-ups and improve your quality of life.
What is IBS?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is marked by a group of symptoms that occur together, including recurring discomfort or pain in the abdomen and changes in bowel functions.
Common symptoms of IBS include:
- Gas
- Bloating
- Cramping
- Chronic or intermittent diarrhea
- Chronic or intermittent constipation
- Bowel movement urgency
- White or clear mucus in stool
Types of IBS
There are three types of irritable bowel syndrome based on different patterns of changes to your bowel movements they are:
IBS-C – IBS with constipation
IBS-D – IBS with diarrhea
IBS-M – IBS with mixed bowel patterns (constipation and diarrhea)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is considered a functional GI disorder. This means that although symptoms are clearly present and persistent when the tissue of the bowel is examined under a microscope, it shows no signs of damage. Though IBS doesn’t lead to major health issues or cause damage to the digestive tract, it can still be a source of discomfort and disruption in a person’s life.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is considered a functional GI disorder. This means that although symptoms are clearly present and persistent when the tissue of the bowel is examined under a microscope, it shows no signs of damage. Though IBS doesn’t lead to major health issues or cause damage to the digestive tract, it can still be a source of discomfort and disruption in a person’s life.
The exact cause of irritable bowel syndrome is still unknown, but several factors can contribute to or trigger IBS symptoms:
- Food – Many patients with IBS experience worse symptoms when they eat or drink certain foods or beverages.
- Stress – It is common for people with IBS to have more frequent or worse symptoms during periods of increased stress.
- Overgrowth of bacteria, fungi, or viruses in the gut.
- Mobility abnormalities. The muscles that line the intestines contract for too long as food moves through your digestive tract.
- Issues with the nerves in your digestive tract may cause hypersensitivity of the inside of the bowel to stretching and motion.
- A severe infection with diarrhea can sometimes trigger IBS.
What To Do If You Think You Have IBS
If you are experiencing a persistent change in bowel habits, or other symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome that interfere with your quality of life, visit your family physician.
Your doctor can help diagnose IBS and rule out other diseases. It is especially important to see your family doctor if you experience more serious symptoms such as:
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Rectal Bleeding.
- Swelling or lump in your stomach.
- Diarrhea at night.
- Unexplained vomiting.
- Pain that does not go away after a bowel movement or passing gas.
Your family physician can diagnose IBS. To do this, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and look for particular patterns in those symptoms.
If you are experiencing mild but persistently annoying symptoms and you think you may have IBS, consider keeping a journal of foods and symptoms. Take this information to your doctor to help diagnose and control the condition.
To effectively treat IBS, your doctor needs an accurate diagnosis, so they may order medical tests to confirm irritable bowel syndrome. These tests may include stool tests, blood tests, a colonoscopy, or imaging tests (x-ray, ultrasound, or CT scan).
If you’re having digestive health problems or need routine screening, talk to one of the caring professionals at River Bend Medical Associates. Your family doctor can evaluate and treat digestive conditions like IBS in adults and children.
How is IBS Treated?
The primary goal of treatment for IBS is to restore normal daily function. Treatment and management begin with the positive diagnosis of IBS by your doctor.
Stress is often a trigger for IBS flare-ups. A proper diagnosis of IBS may help relieve the stress of not knowing what you have, and worry that you may have a life-threatening medical condition.
Mild to moderate irritable bowel syndrome can often be managed with lifestyle changes such as:
- Reducing stress
- Drinking more water
- Avoiding certain food triggers
- Adding more fiber to your diet
- Exercise
- Getting enough sleep
For people with severe IBS, medications may be effective in relieving symptoms and treating underlying conditions that may be triggering IBS flare-ups. Options may include antidiarrheals, laxatives, fiber supplements, probiotics, or antispasmodics for your gut.
Symptoms of IBS include bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, or sometimes both. In other words, seriously uncomfortable problems can affect work, family time, and well-being, but that many people are uncomfortable talking about. Don’t suffer in silence, talk to your family doctor about your digestive issues. IBS is a common digestive disorder, and though it is a chronic (lifelong) condition, it can be managed.
Are you looking for a primary care physician who can diagnose and treat irritable bowel syndrome? At River Bend Medical Associates, our healthcare team has the experience and skill to evaluate your digestive condition and help you manage your IBS successfully.