What is irritable bowel syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal condition that affects the large intestine. Though IBS is common, the exact cause of the gastrointestinal disease is unknown.
Doctors theorize that various factors may play a role in the development of the condition, such as:
- Contractions by the muscles in your gastrointestinal tract
- Abnormalities in nervous system messaging between your brain and gut
- Inflammation in the large intestine
- History of viral or bacterial gastroenteritis
- Imbalance in healthy gut bacteria
You may be at greater risk of developing IBS if it runs in your family.
What are irritable bowel syndrome symptoms?
IBS symptoms vary in type and severity, Most people only have mild-to-moderate IBS symptoms. Common symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Gas
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
Many people notice their IBS symptoms worsen under various conditions, such as stress or hormonal changes.
Though symptoms vary, the right diagnosis and treatment plan may help you manage your IBS and reduce or eliminate your discomfort.
How is irritable bowel syndrome diagnosed?
No single test can diagnose IBS. When you visit Dr. Reich with concerns about abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits, he conducts a thorough clinical exam to find the root cause of your symptoms. In many cases, he may diagnose IBS after he rules out other conditions.
During your exam, he asks detailed questions about your symptoms, including the type of symptoms you experience, when they occur, and circumstances that make them worse.
Dr. Reich also runs diagnostic tests to confirm or rule out other causes to explain your symptoms, such as blood work, stool analysis, urinalysis, CT scan, colonoscopy, or sigmoidoscopy.
How is irritable bowel syndrome treated?
Dr. Reich develops individualized treatment plans for the management of IBS based on the type and severity of your symptoms. No single treatment works for all, and he works with you to find the right combination of therapies to keep your IBS symptoms at bay.
Your treatment plan may include:
- Diet modification
- Stress management
- Exercise program
- Probiotics
- Laxatives or anti-diarrheal medication
- Anticholinergic medication (alleviate gastrointestinal spasms)
- Antidepressants
- IBS-specific medication (Lotronex®, Linzess®, Amitiza®)
Dr. Reich schedules regular follow-up appointments to monitor you and your symptoms and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
IBS is common, but many people suffer with their symptoms instead of seeking help. To get relief from your IBS, call the office of Daniel Reich MD, or book an appointment using the online scheduling tool.
