What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS is a disorder the intestines and stomach resulting in various forms of stomach pain and discomfort. Individuals suffering with IBS might also have problems with their intestinal muscle movement or sensitive intestines as a result of the condition.
The causes and triggers of the condition often vary from person to person and symptoms can differ day by day. Doctors have not yet found conclusive evidence of a specific cause of the disorder, however, experts have found that IBS can be the result of issues between signals sent between the digestive track and brain, issues properly digesting certain types of foods, anxiety, stress, changes in hormones, and taking certain types of antibiotics that trigger the discomfort and symptoms associated with the condition. While IBS is a chronic condition, there are a variety of treatment options and dietary advice that can be utilized to help a person with IBS find relief .
What Symptoms Are Associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by pain in the abdomen and changes to a person’s bowel movement. The pain is usually described as cramping, and some patients find relief after a bowel movement. The frequency and appearance of your bowel movements may also change. Patients often experience constipation and diarrhea as well as bloating. Some notice whitish mucus in their stool. Irritable bowel syndrome is more common in women, and they often notice a peak in symptoms during their menstrual periods. In more severe cases, IBS can cause intestinal damage.
How Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treated?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is treated by professionals at Gastroenterology of Westchester with a combination of diet, medicines, and supplements including probiotics to help manage the symptoms. The doctors at Gastroenterology of Westchester work closely with their patients to customize care to address the specific needs of each patient and provide regular checkups to ensure that the treatment plan is working, adjusting as necessary. The doctors may prescribe medicines including laxatives to address constipation, loperamide to reduce diarrhea, antispasmodics to control abdominal muscle spasm, or antibiotics to reduce bloating. They may also suggest dietary changes to remove foods that trigger symptoms from your diet. Some patients find relief with probiotics to manage the bacteria in the gut.
