Prevention of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome, otherwise known as IBS, is a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract.  It can produce a wide range of symptoms, including constipation, diarrhea, bloating and muscle cramps.  A functional disorder is one that has no identifiable cause, such as a disease or a structural abnormality in the digestive system.  This means that treatment primarily consists of managing the symptoms, as it is not known why irritable bowel syndrome develops.

Am I at Risk of Developing Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

The majority of IBS cases develop after a gastrointestinal infection – this is referred to as post-infection IBS, or IBS-PI.  Other risk factors for the condition include a prolonged fever, being relatively young, and the presence of anxiety or depression symptoms in the patient.  It is thought that psychological factors may be extremely significant in the development of this condition, as up to sixty percent of IBS patients have also been diagnosed with some form of psychological disorder, most commonly depression.

Do Women Experience IBS More Than Men?

Women are three times more likely to be diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome than men.  However, it is thought that part of this difference could be due to the fact that women are more likely to seek treatment.  This has been demonstrated by the male-female split of patients seeking specialist advice – five times as many women as men see a specialist for their IBS symptoms.  The embarrassing nature of the disorder could also be why not everyone chooses to seek medical help, preferring instead to manage their own symptoms.

Women are more likely to seek treatment for IBS, it is thought, because the menstrual cycle plays a part in making symptoms more severe.  Therefore, the overall gender split for cases of the condition may be even more than the figures would initially indicate.

How Can I Reduce My Symptoms of IBS?

There are several things that you can do in order to help reduce the symptoms of IBS.  Maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding foods that trigger your symptoms are both important, and you may need to keep a food diary for a while in order to find your triggers.  Altering the amount of fiber in your diet is often key to managing symptoms.  If you have the type of IBS that is primarily constipation, then more fiber would be advisable.  If you mainly experience symptoms of diarrhea, then you should reduce the fiber instead.

It is also important to eat on a regular basis and to avoid skipping meals.  This will help food to be transported through your digestive system normally.  Drinking at least eight cups of water each day will also help to maintain the movement through the digestive tract.

Exercise can also help to reduce the symptoms of IBS.  At least thirty minutes, three times a week, should be carried out, and it should be strenuous enough to increase your heart rate.  A brisk walk would be a good example.  Your doctor will be able to advise you of other types of exercise that you may wish to consider.

Contact Your IBS Surgical Specialist If You Require More Information

Your local colorectal surgeon will provide you with sufficient information to make an informed decision about the future of your prevention measures.  Although there are many possible preventative steps you can take for each condition, the first step is to call your physician and schedule a consultation.  This initial meeting will put you on the path to eliminating your symptoms of IBS, hopefully for good.

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and How Do I Recognize It?

Irritable bowel syndrome is normally described as a functional disorder, which means that the symptoms cannot be explained by a disease or structural anomaly in the gastrointestinal tract.  The diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome is made based on the symptoms experienced, since the condition (sometimes known as IBS) has no easily identifiable cause.

How Can I Tell If I Have Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is generally characterized by the presence of a chronic abdominal pain, which can be extremely severe at times.  This will normally be accompanied by a feeling of bloating and discomfort, and it is almost certain that your bowel habits will change if you develop the condition.  Depending on the exact classification of IBS that develops, you may find that you experience constipation (IBS-C), diarrhea (IBS-D), or that the symptoms alternate between these two (IBS-A).  Typically, IBS was always diagnosed on the basis of excluding all other conditions, but it will now be diagnosed based on the symptoms that are present.  This assumes, of course, that there are no features that cause particular concern, such as the age of onset being over fifty, weight loss, or a family history of inflammatory bowel disease.  IBS most commonly develops after an acute infection of the digestive system.

What Are The Typical Symptoms of IBS?

Irritable bowel syndrome is a slightly unusual condition because it does not result in symptoms being present all of the time.  There will usually be a flare up of severe symptoms, lasting for several days, after which it will settle down again.  The symptoms will improve considerably during this time, but they will not disappear completely.

Abdominal pain is usually the most common symptom of IBS, and it will generally be accompanied by painful stomach cramps.  As this will normally be relieved to some extent by the opening of the bowels, the cramps are likely to be due to the muscles in the gastrointestinal tract attempting to move substances along.  There may also be a feeling that the bowel has not been emptied completely.

Changes in bowel habits almost always occur as a result of irritable bowel syndrome.  This may lead to the onset of constipation, where it is difficult and sometimes painful to pass stool.  The constipation may also contribute to the abdominal cramps, while swelling and bloating might also develop.  Not all cases of IBS lead to constipation; some will cause diarrhea instead, which leads to an urgent need to use the toilet at times, as the bowel movements will not be controlled as easily as usual.

It is also possible for the same patient to experience periods of constipation and diarrhea on an alternating basis.  This is known as IBS-A, and can be difficult to treat due to the changes in symptoms.  The dietary advice that would benefit one phase of the disorder would aggravate the symptoms of the other phase.

Irritable bowel syndrome can also lead to symptoms of conditions such as depression and anxiety, since it is a long term chronic condition that cannot be cured, and causes have not been identified.  This means that the symptoms of IBS are likely to be present for many years, possibly the rest of the patient’s life.  Although symptoms can be dramatically reduced, and even controlled to an extent, the condition will flare up from time to time.

What Do I Do If I Think I Have IBS?

If you think you are experiencing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, such as changes in bowel habits, bloating or abdominal cramps, then you should book an appointment with your colorectal doctor.  It would be helpful if you kept a record of your symptoms and any foods that you feel make them worse, as this can help your doctor with making the diagnosis.  You may need to see a specialist in gastrointestinal conditions, such as a gastroenterologist, and it may also be useful to see a dietician before you start making any significant changes to what you eat.  This will ensure that you are getting all of the nutrients you need, while still being able to avoid the foods that trigger symptoms of IBS.

Diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (also commonly referred to as IBS) is a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract.  This means that there is no apparent cause for the symptoms, such as a blockage in the digestive system or an infection.  The symptoms will usually begin to appear between the ages of twenty and thirty, and the condition is more common in women.

Symptoms can vary widely between patients, and there are three recognised types of irritable bowel syndrome.  It is possible for the condition to be constipation-predominant, diarrhea-predominant, or to alternate between these.  Other symptoms will include bloating, stomach cramps, and abdominal pain. If you suffer from IBS in Los Angeles, then continue to read this article because we will provide many diagnosis tips.

How is IBS Generally Diagnosed?

As IBS is a functional disorder and rather than having an easily identifiable cause, it has historically been diagnosed on the basis of exclusion.  This means that it is necessary to rule out other possible options before a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome can be made. However, irritable bowel syndrome will now most commonly be diagnosed by taking a medical history and looking at the symptoms that you are experiencing.  Sometimes, a range of clinical investigations will be carried out in order to rule out a number of other bowel disorders.  This is important because IBS and celiac disease are commonly misdiagnosed, and IBS may also be diagnosed wrongly when parasites or Helicobacter pylori (the organism responsible for causing stomach ulcers) are present.  Diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Los Angeles is very common if you find the right doctor.  There are many to choose from and we encourage you to look around. The tests that are most frequently carried out in order to make a diagnosis of IBS include:

• Stool culture and microscopy. This rules out the presence of any infectious diseases that may result in the same symptoms.
• Blood tests.  There are many different tests that can be carried out on a blood sample, including screening for celiac disease, a full blood count, liver function tests and more.
• Ultrasound scan of the abdomen, which can rule out many problems in the gastrointestinal tract, gallstones, and some other diseases.
• Hydrogen breath testing, which is used to rule out the malabsorption of sugars, particularly lactose and fructose.
• Endoscopy and biopsy.  These can rule out the presence of tumors, inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease.

If all of these clinical tests prove to be negative, then it is highly likely that a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome will be made.

Are There Any Risks Associated With Having IBS?

IBS is an unpleasant, often painful condition, but it is not considered to be life threatening.  However, research has indicated that patients with IBS are at a greater risk of developing a wide range of other conditions, which you may or may not be aware of.  These conditions include depression, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and persistent headaches.  There is also evidence to suggest a link between IBS and endometriosis in women, although this is highly speculative and by no means proven.

What Can I Do About My Symptoms After I Have Been Diagnosed with IBS?

Although IBS does not have a cure, you will find that your symptoms are reduced considerably by following some basic lifestyle advice that your doctor may give you.  Eating regular meals is important, and try not to rush when you are eating, as this will disrupt the digestive process.  Regular exercise will also help to maintain the regular movement of food through your digestive system, and help to reduce your symptoms, particularly if you suffer from the predominantly constipation form of this disorder.  Keep track of what you eat and if this causes any changes to your symptoms, as this will help you to cut out foods that increase the discomfort.  If you live in Los Angeles, irritable bowel syndrome can be annoying at best and painful at worst.

Contact Your Local Proctologist to Get an Expert Opinion

Your Los Angeles colorectal surgeon (also known as a proctologist) should be contacted if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.  They will be able to diagnose you properly and provide you with all of the information you need in order to be able to make an informed decision about the treatments available.  Most likely, you will initially undergo screening for bowel or stomach problems, but booking an appointment is the first step in diagnosing the problem.

Relief of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms with Medication

There are several different medications that can be used to help relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).  These work in different ways, and you should speak to your doctor first, even if it is an over-the-counter medication you are thinking of trying.  Below is a list of the four most popular medications for IBS.

• Laxatives can be used to treat the symptoms of constipation.  Bulk-forming laxatives are the most likely type of laxative to be effective for you.  This makes the stools softer and more dense, so they can be passed more easily.  You will need to drink plenty of fluids if you are taking this type of medication, or an obstruction may develop in your digestive system.  Ideally, you should start with a low dose and increase it slowly if needed.  You should be producing soft stool once or twice a day.  Don’t take a bulk-forming laxative shortly before you go to bed.

• Anti-motility medications are used to treat the symptoms of diarrhea.  Loperamide is the most commonly used medication for this purpose, which slows down the contractions of the bowel muscles.  This means that food travels more slowly through the digestive system, becoming more solid and harder as it moves along.  There are some side effects of loperamide, which you need to take into consideration – these include bloating, abdominal cramps and drowsiness.

• Antispasmodic medicines can also be used to slow down the muscle contractions that move food through the gastrointestinal tract.  Peppermint oil is one of the most commonly used.  Side effects are rare but occasionally, there may be some resulting heartburn, or irritation of the skin around the anus as a result of using peppermint oil.

• If antispasmodic medications have not worked, then it is possible that your doctor will prescribe tricyclic antidepressants.  Again, these work by causing the digestive tract muscles to relax, slowing the progression through your system.  However, it can take up to three weeks for you to start seeing the improvements, as your body needs to get used to the medication first.  There are some common side effects, which include a dry mouth, blurred vision and drowsiness.  You may also experience some constipation, rather than your usual symptoms of diarrhea.  The most commonly used tricyclic antidepressant is amitriptyline. 

What to do if Over The Counter Medicine Does Not Work

If your IBS symptoms do not improve after one or two months of treatment with medication and dietary changes, then you should consult your local colorectal doctor.  He or she will help teach you methods of controlling your symptoms better, and there are several ways in which this can be done.  It may take awhile to find which is the most effective method for you, so don’t give up.

Los Angeles Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), is a functional disorder, which means that there is no identifiable cause, such as a structural anomaly in the gastrointestinal tract or a disease, that is leading to the onset of the symptoms.  This means that treating the condition is difficult, and primarily involves attempting to control the symptoms – this is known as symptomatic treatment, and can often feel as though a trial and error approach is being taken.

Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) depends on the exact form of the disease that has has become manifes.  There are three classifications of the condition; these are diarrhoea-predominant IBS, referred to medically as IBS-D, constipation-predominant IBS (which is called IBS-C) or an alternating pattern of constipation and diarrhoea, which is IBS-A.  IBS-A is sometimes described as being pain-predominant.  The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can sometimes develop after an acute infection of the gastrointestinal tract, and this will be described by a specialist as post-infection IBS, or IBS-PI.

Treatment Step #1 - Change Your Diet

Changing your diet is one of the first recommendations that will be made by your doctor, if a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome is made, or even if it is simply being considered as a possibility.  Many patients with symptoms of IBS find that it can be extremely helpful to change some aspects of their diet, along with a selection of other lifestyle changes.  Understanding what causes a flare-up of the condition can help you to dramatically reduce the frequency and severity of the symptoms.

Before you can start to make changes to your diet and see the benefits of this, you will need to work out which foods aggravate your symptoms.  Keeping a food diary is one of the best ways to do this, as it will enable you to identify any foods that cause your symptoms to become worse, or anything that helps to reduce the symptoms of the condition.  Your doctor can then help you to identify the most likely triggers, and provide advice about how to avoid these food items in future.  However, you may be able to reintroduce these foods at a later date, carefully and following the advice of your doctor and a dietitian.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Is Affected By Your Daily Fiber Intake

If you have been diagnosed with IBS, then it is highly likely that you will have been advised to increase the amount of fiber in your diet, with the exact type of treatment depending on what type of IBS you are afflicted with.  There are two types of fiber, and which one you need is determined by the symptoms that you present with, so don’t assume that everyone with IBS is eating a very similar diet.  What works for one person may not necessarily work for you, and could even end up making your symptoms more severe.

The types of fiber are described as soluble, which your body is able to digest, and insoluble, which cannot be digested.  If you experience primarily symptoms of diarrhoea, then you should cut down on the amount of insoluble fiber in your diet.  Insoluble fiber is found in cereals, whole  grain products such as bread, and the majority of nuts and seeds.  The skin on most fruit and vegetables may also aggravate your symptoms, though the rest of the fleshy part is perfectly fine to eat.

If your symptoms are mostly those of constipation, then you should increase the amount of soluble fiber that you eat, and also drink more water.  Both of these will help to move food through your digestive tract and reduce the pain that you are most likely experiencing.  Foods that contain a high level of soluble fiber include fruit (particularly apples and bananas), vegetables such as potatoes and carrots, barley and oats.

Other Treatment Solutions Include Fluid Intake, Like Caffeine, and Carbonated Drinks

Altering what makes up your diet is only part of the solution.  There are also a number of other changes that you should consider in order to minimise your symptoms.  Eating regularly is important, so don’t miss meals or leave long gap – if you are going to be out of the house for hours, then think about taking some snacks with you.  Take your time when you are eating, as rushing may aggravate your symptoms.

Increase your fluid intake.  Water and any other non-caffeinated drinks should make up at least eight cups a day of your fluid intake,  while caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea or cola should comprise no more than three cups of your fluid intake each day.  Alcohol and fizzy drinks should be avoided as much as possible.  Although exclusion diets are now becoming increasingly popular (cutting out a food group entirely, with the most common being dairy products), this should only be done on the advice, and under the supervision of, a qualified dietitian.

What About Exercise - Will That Help Too?

Exercise can certainly help to relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.  If you are not certain of the best form of exercise for you, seek advice from your doctor, who will be able to make some suggestions.  Thirty minutes of exercise at least three times a week should be your aim, and it should be strenuous enough to raise your heart rate.  Brisk walks, especially uphill, would be a good example.

What About Other Treatment Methods To Help Cure Me Of IBS Symptoms?

You have probably heard of probiotics – these are dietary supplements, mostly yogurts, that contain live cultures of bacteria.  These help to keep your digestive system healthy and can improve the symptoms of IBS.  There is no scientific evidence to support this yet, but many patients do report a reduction in symptoms.

Reducing the levels of stress you experience can also have a dramatic impact on the severity of your IBS symptoms.  Try a variety of relaxation techniques, or maybe speak to your doctor about the possibility of counselling.

Conclusion - See Your Colorectal Doctor Early and Often

It is imperative that you see your colorectal surgeon if you believe you have any of the forms of IBS.  There are many doctors in the Los Angeles area and we highly recommend you schedule your appointment as soon as possible to help you treat the symptoms of IBS.