Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Specialist

What is IBS?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a condition that affects the large intestine and bowel. It can be a devastating impact on a person's quality of life and can limit their activity if the symptoms are not sufficiently controlled. Treating the symptoms offers an IBS patient the ability to resume many of their daily activities.

Is IBS Curable?

IBS is not curable, but it is treatable. Many treatment options can be used to reduce the severity of the symptoms and help you lead an active and productive life. Because of how IBS affects the body, there are no physical treatments that can correct the original problem. Surgery is not an option. Each IBS patient exhibits a unique set of symptoms. Learning what symptoms a person has will help the doctor identify what medications and foods will help them overcome their digestive difficulties. 

What are Common Symptoms of IBS?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome can present a variety of symptoms. While every person is different in how the condition affects them, the most common symptoms include excessive gas, nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, inability to vacate the bowels, as well as an increased urgency to use the restroom. Symptoms range from mild to severe and can flare up when a person eats the wrong foods or experiences high levels of stress. In some cases, symptoms are easily managed. For others whose symptoms are severe, medical treatment is necessary to relieve the discomfort they feel.

What Treatment Options are Available for IBS Patients?

The severity of the condition will dictate what types of treatment are available. First and foremost, a person's diet will need to be evaluated and altered to eliminate any foods that trigger a flare up. Several different medications can reduce the severity of many IBS symptoms. Surgery is not recommended for IBS symptoms. Treatment options often range according to the severity of the patient's symptoms.