Conditions We Treat
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder of the intestines in which there is an alteration between the brain and gut that leads to alteration in proper bowel function. The bowels in a patient with IBS are structurally normal appearing. Symptoms of IBS are variable, though may include diarrhea, constipation, alternating diarrhea and constipation, bloating, abdominal pain, and mucus in stool. The severity of symptoms may be variable as well, from mild to severe and life altering. The diagnosis of IBS depends upon the constellation of a patient’s symptoms as well as how long symptoms have been present.
Treatment of IBS depends upon a patient’s symptoms. Common treatments include dietary intervention to avoid trigger foods, most commonly used currently is the low FODMAP diet. Medications are used for symptomatic relief of cramping/spasm. Behavioral therapy has also been used for management the cognitive portion of IBS symptoms.