Irritable Bowel Syndrome / IBS Specialist

Are there risk factors for irritable bowel syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) isn’t well understood — it doesn’t have an exact cause. But medical experts find that if you have an overly sensitive colon or immune system, your risk of developing the condition increases. 

Signs and symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas and diarrhea and or constipation. IBS is a chronic condition that you will need to manage long term. Only a small number of people with IBS have severe signs and symptoms. 

Doctors do find that IBS has several triggers that can lead to flare-ups. IBS triggers include:

• Indigestible sugars (often found in diet foods)
• Gluten
• Fried foods
• Dairy
  
  

Anxiety and stress can lead to IBS, too. While rare, in severe cases, irritable bowel syndrome can lead to permanent intestinal damage if left untreated. Because of this, it’s important to understand the signs and symptoms of IBS and get started on treatment early. 

What are the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome leads to a wide variety of symptoms that may vary from day to day. Symptoms may be persistent or resolve after having a bowel movement. In any case, you may experience minor to severe:

• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Constipation or diarrhea, often alternating
• Bloating and gas
• Mucus in the stool

For women, IBS symptoms tend to be worse around menstruation. In some cases, irritable bowel syndrome leads to weight loss if you avoid eating to minimize your symptoms. Before your IBS symptoms continue to progress, visit ColoProctology Associates & nasaHernia to see how Dr. Aquino can help. 

When to see your doctor?

See your doctor if you have a persistent change in bowel habits or other signs or symptoms of IBS. They may indicate a more serious condition, such as colon cancer. 

More-serious signs and symptoms include:

• Weight loss
• Diarrhea at night
• Rectal bleeding
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Unexplained vomiting
• Difficulty swallowing 
• Persistent pain that isn't relieved by passing gas or a bowel movement

How is irritable bowel syndrome treated?

Treating irritable bowel syndrome depends on what’s causing it. Dr. Aquino is diligent about helping you pinpoint why you suffer from IBS flare-ups so you can learn how to minimize them. If you have food triggers, for instance, Dr. Aquino may recommend avoiding specific foods. Dr. Aquino might also recommend:

• Minimizing your caffeine intake
• Getting more exercise 
• Eating smaller portions 
• Taking probiotics
• Colonic hydrotherapy (IBS with severe constipation)

There are IBS-specific medications available, too. Dr. Aquino may prescribe medications to decrease muscle spasms or relieve constipation. Throughout your irritable bowel syndrome treatment plan at ColoProctology Associates & nasaHernia, Dr. Aquino makes any necessary changes to your treatments to ensure you experience relief from your symptoms.

If you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, schedule an exam at ColoProctology Associates & nasaHernia to get started on treatment. Book your exam online or over the phone today.

Is irritable bowel syndrome rare?

Actually it is one of the most common bowel ailments.  Listed are a few of the rich and famous that have suffered from it.

• Adolf Hitler (yes, Der Fuehrer)
• Cybil Shepherd (Moonlighting)
• Chyle Leigh (Grey's Anatomy)
• Lynda Carter (Wonder Woman)
• Franklin Gutierrez (Seattle Mariners center fielder)
• John F. Kennedy (our first catholic president).  (Ike had Crohn's Disease)
• Kurt Cobain (late Nirvana frontman)

If you’re struggling with irritable bowel syndrome, book an evaluation online today. You can also call to schedule an appointment over the phone.