Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common long-term condition that affects your large intestine (colon). When you have IBS, your colon does not work the way it should. It causes your stomach to easily react to certain foods or stress stimuli with cramps, bloating, gas, or changes in your bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea. IBS may come and go.
Each person’s symptoms may vary. Some of the most common IBS symptoms include:
- A bloated feeling
- Bowel changes:
- Painful constipation or diarrhea
- Going back and forth between having constipation and having diarrhea
- Having mucus in your stool
- Change in the appearance of your stool
- Gas
- Pain or cramping in your belly
For most people, IBS is a chronic condition, although there will likely be times when the signs and symptoms are worse and times when they improve or even disappear completely. Women with IBS often have more symptoms during their menstrual periods.
Tests
Blood Test
Your GI specialist may order a blood test to see if you are lacking healthy red blood cells (anemia), have an infection, or have an illness caused by inflammation or irritation.
Urinalysis and Urine Culture
This can help to see if you have an infection in any part of your urinary system, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI).
Stool Culture
This checks for any abnormal bacteria or parasites in your digestive tract that may cause diarrhea or other problems
Stool Testing for Blood (Fetal Occult Blood Test)
This checks for blood in your stool that can only be seen under a microscope.
Upper eEndoscopy
Also called EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy), an upper endoscopy evaluates for celiac disease.
Abdominal X-ray
An X-ray makes images of your internal tissues, bones, and organs.
Abdominal Ultrasound
Your GI doctor may order an ultrasound to confirm if your symptoms are coming from the liver or gallbladder area.
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy looks at the full length of your large intestine. It can help check for any abnormal growths, red or swollen tissue (inflammation), sores (ulcers), or bleeding.
Treatments
Diet Modifications
You may need to avoid foods that are high fat, some milk products, alcohol, caffeine, drinks with artificial sweetener, and gas-causing foods like beans, cabbage, and broccoli.
Oral Medications
Your GI doctor may prescribe an oral (by mouth) medication to help manage your IBS.
Natural Supplements and Probiotics
Your GI doctor may recommend you take natural supplements or probiotics to help manage your IBS.
Stress Management Therapy
You should take measures to reduce the stress in your life, including getting regular exercise or engaging in relaxation techniques, such as focused breathing, meditation, or yoga.
Why Choose UHealth?
Motility lab for accurate diagnosis of GI conditions. The only facility of its kind in South Florida, our motility lab enables our GI specialists to provide accurate diagnoses of GI conditions more quickly and efficiently. We offer a variety of leading-edge services, such as hydrogen breath testing, anal-rectal manometry, and bio-feedback.
A broad array of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Regardless of your age, condition, or whether you need long- or short-term digestive treatments, you will receive the most accurate diagnosis and most effective treatment to keep your stomach, digestive system, and organs healthy.
Questions? We're here to help.
Our appointment specialists are ready to help you find what you need. Contact us today.