Our Services / IBS

What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

IBS is a condition characterized by abdominal pain and changes in bowel function that may cause diarrhea and/or constipation. IBS is considered a disorder of gut-brain interaction (DGBI). This means that the symptoms caused by IBS don’t impair or injure your digestive system, but rather are a result of miscommunciation between the brain and the gut. 

IBS isn’t life-threatening and doesn’t cause or increase your risk of other digestive conditions, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. However, IBS can be a chronic problem that impairs your quality of life.

What are the symptoms of IBS?

IBS symptoms vary in both type and severity. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Cramping
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Bloating
• Gas
• Urgency

If you suffer from IBS, you may notice that your symptoms worsen with stress.

What causes IBS?

Despite being identified over 200 years ago, doctors aren’t certain exactly what causes IBS. It’s been theorized that people with IBS have altered bowel motility or that the intestines may be more sensitive to mild stimulation. It’s also been recently suggested that an imbalance in your gut microbiome may play a role in your IBS symptoms.

While the exact cause is still being investigated, IBS is often triggered by certain foods, medications, and emotional stress. The presence of gas and stool in the colon may also trigger symptoms. 

How is IBS diagnosed?

No one test can diagnose IBS. The team at Gateway Gastroenterology conducts a comprehensive evaluation to better understand your symptoms and health concerns. To rule out other causes of your symptoms, they may request diagnostic tests, such as a colonoscopy, endoscopy, X-rays, or blood work. 

What are the treatments for IBS?

The team at Gateway Gastroenterology takes a collaborative approach to the treatment of IBS, working closely with you to develop a plan that relieves your symptoms. No single treatment works for everyone, and it may take some time to find the right combination of treatments to help you get relief from your IBS symptoms. 

The providers at Gateway Gastroenterology can talk to you about dietary changes, laxatives or antidiarrheals, fiber or probiotic supplementation, lifestyle modification, and stress relief. If needed, the physicians may also recommend neuromodulators, which are medications that alter the way the gut and the brain interact and can improve IBS symptoms.

For expert management of your IBS from a team that takes a whole-person approach to care, contact Gateway Gastroenterology by calling the office or request an appointment online today.