Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Gastroenterology in Irvine, Santa Ana and Anaheim, CA
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has no apparent cause, but the upsets of the digestive system that patients with IBS experience are painfully real. The knowledgeable doctors at Gastrointestinal & Liver Consultants in Santa Ana, Irvine, and Anaheim, California, complete a thorough evaluation to diagnose IBS. They also offer effective treatments for your symptoms. Call Gastrointestinal & Liver Consultants today or book an appointment online to find relief from IBS.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) causes a range of uncomfortable, unpleasant problems with your digestive system. Symptoms include:
Cramping might improve after a bowel movement.
It’s unclear what causes IBS. Despite its similar name, it isn’t linked to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which can be life-threatening. IBD causes measurable changes in the gastrointestinal system tissues, whereas IBS doesn’t.
IBS isn’t a severe threat to your health, but it can be highly disruptive to your everyday life. The pain, discomfort, and frequent need to visit the bathroom affects everything from work and family life to leisure time and personal relationships.
No specific tests for IBS exist, but you might need to have tests to rule out other potential causes of your symptoms, including:
You could require lab tests, including blood and stool sample analyses and breath tests. Your doctor might also recommend imaging procedures like an abdominal ultrasound, EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy), colonoscopy, or wireless capsule endoscopy. They might perform an electromyogram (EMG) to assess nerve and muscle function in your bowel.
After confirming you have IBS, your Gastrointestinal & Liver Consultants doctor creates a personalized treatment plan. This can feature various treatments, including:
Many people with IBS experience symptom flare-ups in response to specific foods or stress. Keeping a record of what and when you eat and any symptoms that develop afterward can help determine what foods or other triggers cause your flare-ups. You can then avoid them.
Several medications help with IBS. Antibiotics change gut bacteria, often providing symptom relief for up to six months. Some patients benefit from antidepressant medication or antispasmodics. Your doctor can also recommend the best medicines for problems like IBS-caused diarrhea and constipation.
You might find bulking agents help by slowing food’s passage through your digestive tract. Beneficial bacteria and yeasts in probiotic drinks and supplements can also improve gut health and aid digestion.
Call Gastrointestinal & Liver Consultants today or book an appointment online to find expert relief from your IBS symptoms.