Irritable Bowel Syndrome Specialist

What is irritable bowel syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome, commonly referred to as IBS, is a condition that affects your large intestine. It’s an ongoing disease that you must properly manage to reduce gas, bloating, and other unpleasant symptoms. Lifestyle change and medical intervention can help you control IBS symptoms long term.

What are the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome?

Common symptoms of IBS include:

• Abdominal pain
• Gas
• Bloating
• Cramping
• Changes in bowel movements
• Mucus in your stool

Mild IBS symptoms may not bother you, but severe symptoms can feel painful or be embarrassing. Complications that might occur because of untreated IBS include poor quality of life, depression, and anxiety.

What are the risk factors for IBS?

Factors that increase your risk of IBS include:

• Nervous system problems
• Severe infections
• Changes to your gut bacterial
• Early exposure to stress
• Ongoing stress
• Being female
• Being younger than 50
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Other mental health struggles
• Family history of IBS

Eating certain foods can trigger IBS symptoms for some people. Examples include dairy foods, wheat, citrus fruits, cabbage, beans, and carbonated drinks.

How does my provider diagnose IBS?

Your specialist can diagnose irritable bowel syndrome after reviewing your medical history and your symptoms. They also check your vital signs and complete a physical exam. Diagnostic tests might include X-rays, CT scans, upper endoscopy, or colonoscopy to detect or rule out additional problems. 

The Gastroenterology Associates of Fredericksburg team may suggest lactose intolerance tests, stool tests, or breath tests for bacterial overgrowth.

How is irritable bowel syndrome treated?

Common treatments your gastroenterologist may recommend for IBS include:

Lifestyle changes

Making lifestyle changes, especially dietary changes, can dramatically reduce your risk of IBS symptoms. Examples include slowly increasing fiber-rich foods or taking fiber supplements, eliminating foods that trigger symptoms, and eating at regular mealtimes. 

Exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and drink a lot of fluids. Your provider can help you figure out which foods trigger unpleasant symptoms.

Medications

Taking medications or dietary supplements can reduce unpleasant gastrointestinal problems associated with irritable bowel syndrome.

If you have irritable bowel syndrome and want symptom relief, call the Gastroenterology Associates of Fredericksburg office or schedule an appointment online today.