IBS – Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects 25-45 million Americans

Do you or someone you know have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

We may be able to help.

What is IBS?

  • IBS is a group of digestive symptoms including abdominal pain or discomfort improved by passing stool. Bowel irregularity (either diarrhea or constipation)
  • It is not life threatening, and it does not progress into more serious diseases. However, it can definitely affect your qualify of life.

IBS is very common, affecting 25-45 million Americans, mostly women starting in the late teens. It is the second most common cause for missing work and is associated with a higher risk of gall bladder surgery and hysterectomy.

There are three types of IBS:

  • IBS-Constipation
  • IBS-Diarrhea
  • IBS-Alternating constipation with diarrhea

Causes:

There are multiple possible causes including: 

  • Gut to brain communication defect
  • Hypersensitivity of the gut
  • Altered bacteria in the gut
  • Leaky gut
  • Serotonin problems
  • Post-infectious IBS
  • Hormones and stress may be a factor, but not a cause

How to diagnose:

There is no specific test, so some believe you must rule out other diseases (Crohn’s, Microscopic Colitis, Celiac, etc.). However, there is a blood test to determine if you have post-infectious IBS.

Treatments:

  • Avoid food that may trigger your symptoms
  • Avoid caffeine
  • Add more fiber
  • Drink more water
  • Stop smoking
  • Exercise
  • Reduce stress
  • Watch for lactose intolerance or gluten intolerance

Medication:

  • Anti-Spasmodic may help cramps
  • Anti-Diarrheal may help diarrhea
  • Low dose antidepressant for pain
  • Linzess for IBS-Constipation
  • Viberza for IBS-Diarrea
  • Xafaxan for IBS-Diarrhea
  • OTC IBgard for IBS-D
  • Enteragam OTC for IBS-Diarrhea
  • Probiotics

ClinSearch is always doing studies for patients with irritable bowel syndrome. To see if you qualify, call (423) 698-4584.