What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a set of symptoms that affect your digestive system. It's a common but uncomfortable gastrointestinal disorder. People with IBS get excessive gas, abdominal pain and cramps.

Who is at risk for getting IBS?

The condition most often develops in individuals in their late teens to early 40s. Women can be twice as likely as men to have IBS. IBS might happen to multiple family members.

You might be at greater risk if you have:

• Family history of IBS
• Psychological stress, tension or anxiety
• Food intolerance
• History of physical or sexual abuse
• Serious digestive tract infection

What triggers IBS?

If you have IBS, you may have found that certain things produce symptoms. Typical triggers include some foods and medication. Psychological stress can also be a trigger. Some researchers suggest that IBS is the gut's response to life's stressors.

What are the causes of IBS?

Researchers don't precisely know what causes IBS. They think a combination of factors can lead to IBS, including:

• Dysmotility: Problems with how your GI muscles contract and move food through the GI tract.
• Visceral hypersensitivity: Extra-sensitive nerves in the GI tract.
• Brain-gut dysfunction: Miscommunication between nerves in the brain and gut.

What are IBS symptoms?

Symptoms of IBS consist of:

• Abdominal pain or cramps, typically in the lower half of the abdomen
• Bloating
• Bowel movements that are harder or looser than normal
• Diarrhea, constipation or rotating between the two
• Excess gas
• Mucus in your poop (may look whitish)

Women with IBS may find that symptoms flare up during their periods. These symptoms often happen repeatedly, which can make you feel stressed or upset. As you discover management techniques and gain control over flare-ups, you'll start to feel better, physically and mentally.

How is IBS diagnosed?

If you've been having unpleasant GI symptoms, see your healthcare provider. The first step in diagnosing IBS is a medical history and a physical exam. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms:

• Do you have pain related to bowel movements?
• Do you notice a change in how frequently you have a bowel movement?
• Has there been a change in how your poop looks?
• How frequently do you have symptoms?
• When did your symptoms begin?
• What medicines do you take?
• Have you been sick or had a stressful event in your life recently?

Depending on your symptoms, you may need other tests to confirm a diagnosis. Blood tests, stool samples, and X-rays can help rule out other disorders that resemble IBS.

What is IBS treatment?

No specific therapy works for everyone, but most people with IBS can find a treatment that works for them. Your doctor will tailor your IBS treatment plan for your needs. Regular treatment options consist of dietary and lifestyle adjustments. A dietitian can help you develop a diet that fits your life.

Many individuals find that with these adjustments, symptoms improve:

Dietary changes:

• Increase fiber in your diet-- consume more fruits, vegetables, grains and nuts.
• Add supplemental fiber to your diet, such as Metamucil ® or Citrucel ®. Drink plenty of water-- eight 8-ounce glasses per day.
• Avoid caffeine (from coffee, chocolate, teas and sodas).
• Limit cheese and milk. Lactose intolerance is more prevalent in individuals with IBS. Make sure to get calcium from other sources, such as broccoli, spinach, salmon, or supplements.
• Try the low FODMAP diet, an eating plan that can help improve symptoms.

Activity changes:

• Exercise on a regular basis.
• Don't smoke.
• Try relaxation strategies.
• Eat smaller meals more often.
• Record the foods you eat so you can identify which foods trigger IBS flare-ups. Common triggers are red peppers, green onions, red wine, wheat and cow's milk.

Medical changes:

• Your healthcare provider might prescribe antidepressant medications if you have depression and anxiety along with significant abdominal pain.
• Other medicines can help with diarrhea, constipation, or abdominal pain.
• Probiotics may be an option for you. These "good bacteria" can help improve symptoms.

Talk to your provider if your symptoms don't improve. You might require more tests to see if an underlying condition is causing the symptoms.

For further information about Dr. Stengler’s practice and his clinic in Leucadia, California, please visit our website at MarkStengler.com or give us a call at (760) 274-2377