Increasing Awareness of IBS: Signs, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Numerous people are impacted by persistent stomach pain and bowel concerns. What you might not know is that this could be a signal of irritable bowel syndrome, also referred to as IBS This condition impacts 10 – 15% of people and does not have a cure. At Arizona Digestive Health in Phoenix, AZ, it’s our intention to increase awareness of this disorder during the month of April – IBS Awareness Month. Even though there is no long-term remedy, you do not have to continue living with persistent GI discomfort.

What exactly is IBS?

Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic intestinal disorder involving the large and small bowels that affects digestive function. In short, the brain and gut have problems working together. It causes the intestinal system to become sensitive and makes the colon muscle contract more than is typical.

These challenges can induce symptoms, like gas, abdominal trouble, cramping, obstruction, diarrhea, and more. If you have this condition, you likely won't experience IBS symptoms all the time. In truth, some days may be absolutely normal, while others may be more difficult — it truly depends on the kind of IBS you suffer from. The various types of IBS are:

• IBS with mixed bowel habits
• IBS with constipation
• IBS with diarrhea

The gastroenterologists at Arizona Digestive Health routinely provide IBS treatment for Phoenix, AZ adults. We can ascertain what type of irritable bowel syndrome you have and help you find comfort.

How is IBS diagnosed?

If you have experienced signs of IBS, it may be wise to pursue the assistance of a gastroenterologist near you. Our staff can help you determine if your afflictions are irritable bowel syndrome or another problem. Before a physical evaluation, we’ll ask a few questions to help us comprehend your symptoms and wellness history. In some instances, we might ask you to undergo a blood evaluation or provide a stool specimen as a way to rule out any disorders that could be mistaken for irritable bowel syndrome. Some of the common symptoms of IBS are:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Decrease in appetite
• Bowel urgency
• Bloating
• Stomach discomfort

Once we obtain adequate proof that you have IBS, our gastrointestinal specialists in Phoenix, AZ can identify the ideal irritable bowel syndrome treatment to suit your needs.

How is irritable bowel syndrome addressed?

There is no universal remedy for irritable bowel syndrome, so it could take some experimentation to find an IBS treatment that works for you. Despite that, a number of people find that they can make a few dietary and physical activity modifications and have improved results. General modifications that commonly produce a reduction of IBS symptoms are:

• Avoiding all forms of caffeine
• Maintaining a daily exercise routine
• Quitting smoking
• Increasing fiber consumption (more veggies, fruits, grains, and supplementary fiber, like Metamucil®)
• Consuming fewer dairy products
• Consuming minor meals more frequently instead of three bigger meals
• Increasing water intake

It’s also wise to write in a food diary each day. This can allow you to identify which foods activate irritable bowel syndrome symptoms so you can work on avoiding those items in the future. Additionally, if you take any medications, we might examine those to understand if any modifications can be made to the formula or dosage.

A respite from IBS is within your reach

If you experience symptoms from irritable bowel syndrome, like gut pain, diarrhea, and gas, it can be difficult to schedule outings, as this condition can disrupt even the most precious events. We recommend coming to see our GI doctors in Phoenix, AZ without delay so we can help you identify and treat your irritable bowel syndrome. While there is no cure, it is conceivable to manage your symptoms so you can live life more comfortably. For more on irritable bowel syndrome or IBS treatments, contact Arizona Digestive Health today.