As many as 15% of American adults have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but only about 5-7% are actually diagnosed. The only way to get relief is to reach out for help now.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Q & A
What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
IBS is the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder. Functional gastrointestinal disorders happen because your gastrointestinal tract works abnormally. In contrast, structural gastrointestinal disorders happen because of structural problems like tumors or biochemical problems.
IBS causes several uncomfortable symptoms like cramping, gas, and diarrhea. There are three types of IBS.
IBS-d
IBS-d, the most common kind of IBS, causes diarrhea along with your other IBS symptoms. Usually, if you suffer from IBS-d, you don’t experience constipation.
IBS-c
IBS-c is the form of IBS in which you have constipation along with your other IBS problems. Generally, this means you have bowel movements less than three times a week, and you often experience hard or lumpy stools.
IBS-mixed
IBS-mixed is a type of IBS in which you experience both constipation and diarrhea. Symptoms can alternate unpredictably.
IBS is very treatable with Dr. Saslow’s and our staff’s help. We will diagnose your IBS and create a treatment plan to help you recover quickly.
What are the signs that I have IBS?
The symptoms of IBS typically include at least a few of the following:
- Abdominal cramping
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Gas
- Diarrhea, constipation, or both
- Mucus in your stool
- Fatigue
Many IBS sufferers also experience anxiety or depression, but it’s uncertain whether IBS actually triggers mental stress or the other way around.
What is the treatment for IBS?
If you have mild IBS, treatment often starts with lifestyle changes, such as:
- Keeping a food diary
- Avoiding trigger foods
- Increasing fiber in your diet
- Increasing fluid intake
- Reducing your stress level
- Exercising regularly
- Getting plenty of sleep
In some cases, Dr. Saslow might recommend a specific new diet, such as one low in fermentable oligo-, di-, and monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPS) that are in some kinds of grains, veggies, fruits, and dairy products. Dr. Saslow might prescribe fiber or other dietary supplements, too.
Here’s a link for further information on FODMAP’s https://www.monashfodmap.com/
If you’ve got severe IBS, Dr. Saslow and his team might prescribe a medication made specifically for IBS, such as Lotronex®, Viberzi®, Xifaxan®, Amitiza®, or Linzess®.