Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
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What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic disorder that affect the large intestine. The condition often causes abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, bloating, gas, and constipation. Unlike some other digestive conditions, IBS doesn’t cause changes in your bowel tissue or increase your risk of developing colorectal cancer. While the exact cause of IBS is unknown, diet, lifestyle, and stress may work together to make your symptoms worse.
What are the Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
The signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome vary from one person. You may have times when your symptoms are worse and times when they are mild – and may even disappear completely for a period of time. Common symptoms of IBS include:
- Abdominal pain or cramping, which may be relieved by passing a bowel movement
- Bloating
- Excess gas
- Diarrhea or constipation — you may have one and then the other
- Mucus in the stool
More serious symptoms of IBS include:
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea at night
- Rectal bleeding
- Anemia caused by iron deficiency
- Vomiting
- Difficulty swallowing
- Abdominal pain that isn’t relieved by passing gas or a bowel movement
If you have persistent or severe symptoms of IBS, schedule an appointment with Digestive Health Associates of Cheyenne. One of our providers will evaluate your condition, make a diagnosis, and talk with you about the treatment options available to manage IBS.
How Do You Treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
There is no specific test to diagnose IBS. Your doctor will talk with you about your medical history and your symptoms, then run a variety of tests to make sure you don’t have another condition. If IBS appears to be the cause, treatments focus on relieving your symptoms to help you live as normally as possible. These involve managing stress and changing your diet and lifestyle, including avoiding foods that appear to cause your symptoms, eating foods high in fiber, drinking plenty of liquids, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. Depending on your symptoms, medications such as fiber supplements, laxatives, anti-diarrheals, or antidepressants may help you find relief as well.
Our board-certified, experienced physicians at Digestive Health Associates of Cheyenne will provide you with the best diagnosis and treatment options to help you manage your IBS. Contact us today.
Learn More: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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