Irritable Bowel Syndrome Specialist

What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

IBS is a chronic intestinal disorder that develops due to dysfunction in your digestive system, specifically the large intestine.

While it’s not clearly understood, the root cause of IBS may relate to irregular muscle contractions in your intestine or abnormalities in your nervous system.

You can also develop IBS due to:

• Infection
• Inflammation
• Changes in gut bacteria

IBS symptoms can also be triggered by certain foods, stress, or hormonal changes.

What are the symptoms of IBS?

Symptoms of IBS vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe. The most common symptoms of IBS include:

• Gas
• Cramps
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Mucus in stool
• Abdominal pain

It’s important that you schedule a diagnostic consultation for symptoms of IBS when they interfere with your usual routine or if you also have difficulty swallowing, persistent vomiting, or rectal bleeding.

How is IBS diagnosed?

There’s no standard test for confirming IBS. The team at Long Island Gastro starts with a review of your personal and family medical history and a physical exam. They take time to discuss your symptoms to evaluate their severity and frequency.

In some cases, diagnostic procedures may be necessary to confirm IBS and rule out other gastrointestinal conditions. These procedures may include:

• X-rays
• Colonoscopy
• Sigmoidoscopy

Once your Long Island Gastro provider confirms IBS, they customize a treatment plan to ease your symptoms and prevent flareups in the long-term.

How is IBS treated?

Treating IBS often starts with lifestyle changes that prevent symptoms. These changes may include:

• Reducing stress
• Staying hydrated
• Increasing exercise
• Getting high-quality sleep

You may also need to change your diet to incorporate more high-fiber foods and limit your consumption of gas-causing foods, like broccoli, raw fruits, and carbonated beverages.

For chronic IBS flareups, you may need a prescription medication that helps relax the muscles in your colon and prevent constipation. Medications are also available to treat persistent diarrhea.

To ensure your symptoms of IBS are well-controlled, your Long Island Gastro provider may request routine checkups to monitor your gastrointestinal health and make necessary changes to your medications.

Find out more about available treatments for IBS by calling Long Island Gastro today or requesting an appointment online.