Summary: IBS is an affliction that impacts the colon and small intestines and invokes symptoms such as cramping, diarrhea and more. Relief is possible, though!
A number of people are affected by ongoing abdominal discomfort and bowel difficulties. But what they might not know is that this could be an indicator of irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. This condition affects 10 – 15% of adults and is incurable. At GI Associates & Endoscopy Center in Jackson, MS, it’s our goal to raise awareness of this condition throughout the month of April – IBS Awareness Month. Even though there is no permanent solution for IBS, you do not have to live with persisting discomfort.
What is IBS?
Irritable bowel syndrome is a long-term intestinal condition that influences gastrointestinal function and affects the large and small intestines. Simply put, the brain and gut have difficulty functioning together, and it causes the gastrointestinal system to become sensitive and causes the colon muscle to contract more than usual.
IBS can induce symptoms, such as gas, gut pain, cramping, constipation, loose stools, and other issues. If you have this condition, you likely will not experience IBS symptoms every day. In reality, some days may be absolutely ordinary, while others may be worse — it really relies on the kind of IBS you suffer from. The distinct types of IBS are:
- IBS with diarrhea
- IBS with constipation
- IBS with mixed bowel habits
Our IBS physicians at GI Associates & Endoscopy Center provide IBS treatment to Jackson, MS patients. We can ascertain what variety of irritable bowel syndrome you suffer from and help you get the relief you need.
How is irritable bowel syndrome diagnosed?
If you have symptoms of IBS, it might be wise to seek the aid of a GI doctor near you. Our team can help you recognize if your troubles are irritable bowel syndrome or another problem. Prior to a physical examination, our team will ask a few questions to understand your symptoms and review your health history. In some instances, we might recommend a blood evaluation or stool sample test as a way to eliminate any conditions that may be mistaken for irritable bowel syndrome. Typical symptoms of IBS include:
- Loss of appetite
- Loose stool or constipation
- Urgent bowel needs
- Gas
- Swelling
- Gut pain
Once we obtain sufficient proof that you suffer from IBS, our gastrointestinal specialists in Jackson, MS can determine for the best irritable bowel syndrome treatment to meet your needs.
How is irritable bowel syndrome addressed?
There is no tried-and-true remedy for irritable bowel syndrome, so it may take some experimentation to identify an IBS treatment that works for you. However, many adults realize that they can make a few dietary and exercise adjustments and experience positive outcomes. General modifications that normally have an impact on IBS symptoms are:
- Increasing fiber intake (more veggies, fruits, grains, and supplementary fiber, like Metamucil®)
- Avoiding all kinds of caffeine
- Consuming less dairy products
- Eating minor meals more frequently instead of three bigger meals
- Quitting smoking
- Creating a daily exercise regimen
- Increasing liquid consumption
It is also wise to keep a food journal. This can allow you to pinpoint which foods activate irritable bowel syndrome troubles so you can be proactive about avoiding those foods in the future. Additionally, if you take any prescriptions, we may examine those to see if any modifications can be made to the variety or dosage.
Relief From IBS Is Within Your Reach
If you experience issues from irritable bowel syndrome, like abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and flatulence, it can be difficult to plan outings, as this affliction can disturb even the most special events. We recommend visiting our GI team in Jackson, MS promptly so we can help you identify and treat your irritable bowel syndrome issues. While there is no cure, it is conceivable to manage your symptoms so you can live life more comfortably. For additional information on irritable bowel syndrome or IBS treatments, please get in touch with GI Associates & Endoscopy Center as soon as possible.
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