April is IBS Awareness Month

What is IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrom)?

IBS is a common digestive disorder that affects about 20% of people in the United States, mostly women.  It affects how large intestine (colon) works.

What Causes IBS?

The cause is unknow but appears to be related to the nervous system.  People with IBS have a colon that reacts very strongly to signals from the brain.  Many people find that stress, anxiety, and being emotional upset trigger symptoms.  Certain foods or eating too much or too little may also cause the colon to overreact.

What Are the Symptoms of IBS?

The most common symptoms are pain in abdomen (belly), bloating, and constipaton or diarrhea or both.  Other symptoms include an urgent need to move the bowels and feeding of incomplete evacuation.  These symptoms come and go over days, weeks or months.

How is IBS Diagnosed?

Not everyone who has gastrointestinal symptoms has IBS.  The surgeons at Surgical Clinic, PC diagnose IBS by taking a careful medical history to detail the symptoms.  No test can prove that someone has IBS.  The Surgical Clinic provider my use blood tests, x-rays, and looking through a thin, flexible tube (special instrument called an endoscope) to rule out other disorders.

How is IBS Treated?

Lifestyle changes amy help relieve IBS symptoms.  These changes include eating a high-fiber diets, avoiding foods that make symptoms worse, eating regular meals that are not too big, drinking enough water, getting regular exercise and reducing stress.

Several medicines are available for IBS.  Your Board Certified Surgeon at the Surgical Clinic, PC can help decide which are best.  Over-the-counter laxatives should be taken only under a doctor's direction, because overuse of laxatives my be harmful.  Tranquilizers and antidepressants may also help people with IBS.

DOs and DON'Ts in Managing IBS

DO learn what foods worsen your symptoms

DO eat a good diet with high-fiber foods, including whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.  Fiber supplements may help if your diet does not have enough fiber.

DO eat regular, balanced meals.

DO drink plenty of water to help the colon work correctly.

DO take medicines as instructed by your health care provider.

DO exercise.  Try to do 30 minutes of moderate physical activity daily.

DO try to lower stress.  Don't take on more work or obligations than you can handle.

DON'T take over-the-counter laxitives without a health care provider tell you to do so.

DON'T skip meals.

DON'T eat large meals or high fat meals.