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.

IBS – Irritable Bowel Syndrome