The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome affect nearly 45 million people in the United States. At Digestive Disease Care, you can find personalized, comprehensive care from the experienced gastroenterology team at their New York offices in Babylon, Jericho, Lake Success, East Setauket, and Mineola in Long Island, and Forest Hills and Jamaica in Queens. The team customizes treatments to help you find immediate and long-term relief of bloating, pain, and other related symptoms. Schedule a diagnostic evaluation for irritable bowel syndrome by calling Digestive Disease Care or by booking an appointment online today.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder that affects the health of your large intestine or colon. While the exact cause of IBS isn’t well understood, the condition may relate to abnormal muscle contractions in your intestines or due to underlying nerve dysfunction.
You may also develop IBS if you have chronic inflammation in your intestines or develop a serious infection.
Irritable bowel syndrome can cause several symptoms that vary from person to person. These symptoms may include:
Some people experience episodes of symptoms that occur on occasion and may be triggered by stress, certain foods, or hormone fluctuations.
While there are no standard tests to confirm an IBS diagnosis, the team at Digestive Disease Care can determine if your symptoms relate to IBS or another underlying illness. Your provider takes time to review your medical history, your diet, and your lifestyle.
To rule out celiac disease, an allergic reaction to gluten, you may need blood testing or breath testing. In some cases, stool testing may be necessary to rule out bacterial infections.
Your Digestive Disease Care provider may also opt to explore your intestines through minimally invasive diagnostic tests, like a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. These tests involve inserting a flexible tube with an attached camera and light into the rectum to identify areas of inflammation.
The medical team at Digestive Disease Care provides comprehensive personal care for IBS based on your unique needs and the severity of your symptoms.
If you have mild and occasional symptoms of IBS, you may need to make lifestyle changes to include more fiber in your diet and ensure you’re drinking enough water. It’s also vital that you get good quality sleep each night and engage in exercise for at least 30 minutes each day.
Your Digestive Disease Care provider can work with you on an elimination diet, so you can avoid certain foods that trigger your IBS symptoms.
If you have severe and chronic symptoms of IBS, you may need to take medications to relieve pain and stop abnormal muscle contractions. Your Digestive Disease Care provider may also suggest talk therapy to help you cope with the frustration of recurrent IBS symptoms.
If you need solutions for managing your symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, call Digestive Disease Care or book a consultation online today.
