Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition affecting 25 to 45 million people in the United States, causing symptoms like abdominal pain and irregular bowel movements that affect quality of life. At Gastrointestinal Diagnostic Centers in Pembroke Pines, Florida, board-certified gastroenterologist Peter S. Yotseff, MD, specializes in diagnosing and treating IBS. For professional and comprehensive IBS care, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

What is irritable bowel syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder, also called disorders of gut-brain interaction. People with IBS experience uncomfortable GI symptoms and changes in bowel habits that disrupt their daily routine. However, IBS doesn’t damage the GI tract.

Though researchers are still looking into what causes IBS, they theorize the disorder develops because of changes in communication between the gut and brain. These alterations may increase gut sensitivity or change the movement of food through the gut, resulting in IBS symptoms.

People with a family history of IBS are at greater risk of developing the disorder. Emotional stress, food intolerance, and a history of a severe digestive tract infection are also linked to IBS.

What are the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome?

IBS is a chronic disorder, but symptoms may come and go. Common symptoms of IBS include:

• Abdominal pain
• Gas and bloating
• Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or both)
• Change in stool appearance
• Mucus in stool

The gastroenterologists at Gastrointestinal Diagnostic Centers categorize IBS into types based on how the disorder affects your bowel habits: IBS with constipation (IBS-C), IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D), or IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M). 

These categories help your gastroenterologist create a plan that targets your specific symptoms.

How is irritable bowel syndrome diagnosed?

There’s no single test for diagnosing IBS. Gastrointestinal Diagnostic Centers performs a comprehensive history and physical to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. This might include diagnostic tests like colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, or capsule endoscopy to rule out other conditions. 

For an IBS diagnosis, you must have abdominal pain at least once a week for three or more months, uncomfortable bowel movements, and changes in bowel habits.

What are some treatments for irritable bowel syndrome?

Your gastroenterologist at Gastrointestinal Diagnostic Centers customizes your IBS treatment plan based on the type and severity of symptoms. However, treatment focuses on lifestyle changes such as diet modifications, regular exercise, and stress reduction.

Your provider may also prescribe medications to help manage symptoms. 

There’s no single treatment that works for all people with IBS. Your gastroenterologist at Gastrointestinal Diagnostic Centers works closely with you, designing a plan that minimizes your symptoms and improves your quality of life.

For expert help with your IBS, call the Gastrointestinal Diagnostic Centers or schedule an appointment online today.