Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the large intestine or colon. IBS is a functional disorder, which means that it has no known cause. It is not life-threatening and does not lead to other severe conditions, but it can be very uncomfortable and have a significant impact on your quality of life.
If you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you may have gas bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or alternating between these symptoms. While most people experience mild to moderate symptoms of IBS, some may experience severe symptoms that significantly interfere with their daily activities and social interactions.
If left untreated, irritable bowel syndrome can lead to further complications such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and more. Read on to learn more about what you need to do to solve your IBS issues.
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition that affects the colon and intestines. It’s also known as “abdominal pain syndrome” or “spastic colon,” among other names.
Irritable bowel syndrome affects the brain-gut axis, which refers to how your brain sends signals through nerves in your gut for things like digestion, appetite, and nausea. IBS has many symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea; these symptoms may come and go throughout the day or week without rhyme or reason.
What are the Symptoms of IBS?
Irritable bowel syndrome can cause any number of symptoms from person to person. However, the main symptoms are the following:
- Abdominal pain.
- Diarrhea or constipation.
- Bloating and gas are typical in IBS because of the extra fluid in your intestines.
- Nausea and vomiting may also occur with IBS. If you have frequent nausea, it’s essential to see your doctor to rule out other causes (such as gallstones).
IBS can also cause urgency to defecate–the feeling that you need to go right now–or straining when passing stool or gas; this is known as dyschezia.
IBS is sometimes associated with anxiety and depression. In fact, it may be that stress causes IBS symptoms to flare up, or these other problems cause IBS symptoms to become worse. If you have severe abdominal pain or diarrhea and vomiting, see your doctor immediately because it could indicate a more serious condition.
IBS is a common condition, but it can be frustrating to live with. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone–there are many people who have IBS and understand what you’re going through.
Who Gets IBS?
IBS is a common condition that affects people of all ages and genders. It’s more commonly diagnosed in women than men, though it also affects children and older adults.
IBS isn’t serious–it’s not contagious and doesn’t lead to other serious health problems like cancer or heart disease. Some treatments may help you feel better faster if you need them (like medicine or dietary changes).
You can manage your symptoms by learning how to live with them, but if you’re having trouble getting your symptoms under control, don’t hesitate to talk with your doctor about treatment options.
What are the Main Treatments for IBS?
Treatment for IBS is generally divided into two categories: lifestyle changes and medication.
Making changes to your lifestyle can significantly improve your symptoms, and many doctors recommend starting with simple modifications like diet changes, stress reduction techniques, and exercise routines.
One effective diet change is the low-FODMAP diet, which has been shown to reduce IBS symptoms by up to 50% in many people. Medications may also be an option for those who don’t see improvement with these lifestyle changes. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may prescribe antidepressants, anti-diarrheal drugs, anti-spasmodic medications, peppermint oil capsules, laxatives, or stool softeners.
What Kind of Doctor Should I See for IBS?
If you have been diagnosed with IBS, it is vital to find a doctor specializing in gastrointestinal disorders. A gastroenterologist is a doctor who specializes in the digestive system and can help manage your symptoms.
Dr. Faride Ramos has been treating patients with IBS for over 20 years and has published articles on this topic as well as writing a blog on the subject of IBS. The American College of Gastroenterology recommends seeing a gastroenterologist if you think that your symptoms may be related to your bowel movements or dieting habits.
Managing Stress Over IBS
Stress can be a trigger for IBS, and it can also make your symptoms worse. It’s important to know that stress doesn’t cause IBS but can worsen the condition. When stressed out, your body releases adrenaline and cortisol (the “stress hormone”), which cause muscle contractions in the intestines, leading to diarrhea or constipation.
Stress also makes it harder for people with IBS to manage their symptoms because of how much energy they need from their brain just to get through each day without feeling overwhelmed by the situation at hand. At its worst, chronic stress can make IBS flare up even more than usual!
How is IBS Diagnosed?
Although no tests can diagnose IBS, your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms. They may also recommend a colonoscopy to rule out other conditions that could be causing similar symptoms.
The severity of your IBS is also important in determining the best treatment option for you. Your doctor may order blood tests or refer you to a specialist if they feel there’s something else going on with your bowels (like celiac disease or Crohn’s disease).
Is IBS the Same as Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
IBS is not the same as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD causes inflammation in the digestive tract, which can lead to painful symptoms. In contrast, IBS does not cause inflammation or permanent damage to your bowels.
IBS is a chronic condition that affects about 10% of people worldwide. It’s estimated that around 1 in 6 Americans suffer from IBS at some point during their lifetime. The exact cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome isn’t known, but there are several theories about how it develops:
- Genetics
- Some people may have genes that make them more likely to develop IBS than others.
- Stress
- Stress has been linked with IBD and other gastrointestinal disorders, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. However, this hasn’t been proven yet, so we don’t know whether stress actually causes these conditions or if people who already have them are more likely to experience stress!
Dr. Faride Ramos Has the Experience in Handling All IBS Patients
Dr. Ramos is double-board-certified in both internal and functional medicine. She has been practicing for nearly two decades and has helped many patients with IBS and other digestive conditions.
We hope this article has helped you understand IBS and its treatment options. If you are suffering from symptoms that could be related to IBS, it’s important that you see a doctor who is experienced in treating this condition. Dr. Faride Ramos is one such physician who has helped thousands of patients over the years with their irritable bowel syndrome treatment needs.
At the office of Dr. Faride Ramos, we believe that everyone should have access to the best care possible. That’s why we offer a wide variety of services designed to meet the needs, of women and men to children and older adults, from those just starting in life to those looking for preventative treatments for IBS or other chronic issues.
Our holistic approach means that we consider all aspects of your health when treating you, including physical, mental, spiritual, and social factors—not just the symptoms you’re experiencing. We strive to provide a personalized experience that helps you feel connected to your body and your mind while also easing the stress of managing your health.
We understand that each person and each situation is different. So we tailor our care offerings accordingly to ensure that you get exactly what you need when it comes to addressing your specific concerns.
Whether you’re looking for bio-identical hormone replacement therapy or weight loss support, we can help!
