What is IBS?

IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that affects the large intestines and causes a variety of symptoms ranging from abdominal pain to bloating to diarrhea. While the symptoms you experience with IBS can affect your day-to-day activities, the symptoms don’t affect the tissue in your bowel or increase your risk of other gastrointestinal disorders such as colon cancer.

Is IBS an inflammatory bowel disease?

IBS isn’t an inflammatory bowel disease. Inflammatory bowel disease refers to conditions that lead to inflammation of the tissue in your digestive tract. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are types of inflammatory bowel diseases.

What are the symptoms of IBS?

IBS symptoms vary in both type and severity. Common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Gas and bloating
• Mucus in your stool

You may begin to notice that certain triggers cause your IBS symptoms to flare up, such as stress or food choices. Hormonal changes can also trigger your IBS symptoms.

If you’re experiencing abdominal distress or a change in bowel habits, you should schedule an appointment with the experts at Capitol Gastro for an evaluation.

How is IBS diagnosed?

There’s no specific test for diagnosing IBS, and your specialist at Capitol Gastro may need to rule out other causes of your symptoms before making an IBS diagnosis. During your evaluation, your specialist reviews your symptoms and medical history and conducts a physical exam.

To rule out other causes of your symptoms, your specialist may recommend various tests, such as a fecal test, colonoscopy, endoscopy, or lactose intolerance test.

What treatments can improve my IBS?

Treatment for IBS centers on lifestyle changes to relieve your symptoms. Your specialist at Capitol Gastro works closely with you to help you make the lifestyle changes necessary to improve your IBS, which may include:

• Avoiding foods that cause symptoms
• Exercising regularly
• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Getting enough sleep

Medications may be prescribed to help manage your various symptoms or the disease itself, such as:

• Anti-diarrheals
• Antidepressants
• Alosetron
• Linaclotide

Your specialist at Capitol Gastro helps you develop the most effective treatment plan to minimize your IBS symptoms so you can live a full and happy life.

For expert care of your IBS from a caring and compassionate team, call Capitol Gastro today.