Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome affects as many as 45 million American adults, greatly reducing their quality of life. Desert Valley Gastroenterology specializes in irritable bowel syndrome diagnosis and treatment using the most advanced science-based guidelines. The premier team of gastroenterologists offers easy appointment access and prompt treatment plans at the convenient Mesa, Arizona, office. Call the office for help today.

What is irritable bowel syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder featuring gastrointestinal issues like cramping and bowel movement changes. About 5% of all Americans have IBS. While more common in women under 50, it can affect anyone.

Irritable bowel syndrome isn’t cancer, and it doesn’t cause colon cancer. However, the symptoms can become highly disruptive and lead to poor life quality. Fortunately, IBS is manageable with help from the expert team at Desert Valley Gastroenterology. 

What are the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome? 

Each type of IBS has specific symptoms. 

IBS-C

IBS-C is irritable bowel syndrome with frequent constipation. With IBS-C, bowel movements are usually hard and lumpy. It may be painful to pass stool.

IBS-D

IBS-D is irritable bowel syndrome with frequent diarrhea. Stools are loose and watery. 

IBS-Mixed

IBS-mixed is irritable bowel syndrome with both constipation and diarrhea. Along with constipation, diarrhea, or both, people with IBS usually experience abdominal cramps, particularly in the lower abdomen. Bloating and gas are both common as well. 

What causes irritable bowel syndrome? 

The causes of IBS are unknown at this time. Some possible contributing factors include problems with nerve signaling in the digestive system, abnormal intestinal muscle contractions, severe infections, bacterial overgrowth in the intestines, and gut microbe changes.

While IBS isn’t psychological, anxiety and stress can worsen your symptoms. 

How is irritable bowel syndrome treated?

The Desert Valley Gastroenterology team promptly creates a treatment plan to ease your symptoms. You’ll most likely make lifestyle changes to better cope with IBS. You might also need medication for symptom relief. Common measures include: 

• Avoiding gas-causing foods like beans, cabbage, and broccoli
• Increasing dietary fiber intake 
• Keeping a food diary to track reactions to different foods
• Relaxation techniques to manage stress and anxiety
• Anti-diarrheal medication for IBS-D
• Laxatives for IBS-C
• Anticholinergic medication to ease bowel spasms (common with IBS-D)
• Nerve pain medications
• Certain antidepressants
• Drugs to decrease bacterial overgrowth

There are currently clinical trials investigating innovative new treatment options like fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), so experts are always researching more effective ways to improve your quality of life with IBS. 

The Desert Valley Gastroenterology team customizes an IBS solution for you. Call the office to schedule an appointment today.