What is irritable bowel syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome is a gastrointestinal disorder that affects your large intestine. It can cause unpleasant symptoms, malnutrition, rectal bleeding, and persistent pain if it's left untreated. Leading gastroenterologist Jeffrey Crespin, MD, offers relief from IBS symptoms and can prevent serious complications.
What are the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome?
Some common IBS symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Cramping
- Abdominal pain
- Gas
- Bloating
- Bowel changes
- Mucus in your stool
Your symptoms might be mild, moderate, or severe. While IBS symptoms can feel debilitating, the disorder doesn’t increase your risk of colorectal cancer. It can lead to health complications, however.
What are the risk factors for irritable bowel syndrome?
The cause of IBS isn’t fully understood. Triggers for experiencing IBS and its symptoms include:
- Eating certain foods
- Stress
- Hormone fluctuations
- Being younger than age 50
- Being female
- Family history of IBS
- Anxiety or depression
Women are twice as likely as men to get irritable bowel syndrome. Symptoms in women may worsen during their menstrual periods.
How is irritable bowel syndrome diagnosed?
To diagnose IBS, Dr. Crespin reviews your medical history and asks questions about your symptoms. He might complete certain diagnostic tests to rule out other GI problems. Examples include lactose intolerance tests, blood tests, upper endoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, X-rays, and CT scans.
How is irritable bowel syndrome treated?
Ways to relieve IBS symptoms and prevent them from recurring include:
Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes that can help alleviate IBS symptoms include getting regular exercise, biofeedback, relaxation exercises, eating at regular times, and avoiding trigger foods.
Dietary changes
Dietary changes that may reduce IBS symptoms include drinking plenty of water, eating fiber-rich foods, and avoiding gas-causing foods, gluten. Dr. Crespin personalizes an IBS diet plan just for you to ensure you get the treatment that best fits your needs.
Dietary supplements
Some dietary supplements may offer you IBS symptom relief. Examples include probiotics and fiber supplements.
Medications
Taking certain medications may also relieve IBS symptoms. Dr. Crespin lets you know which medicines, if any, are right for you.
Don’t live with bloating, gas, cramping, and other unpleasant IBS symptoms when you don’t have to. Book an appointment with Jeffrey Crespin, MD, over the phone or online today.
