Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Treatment in Columbus, GA
IBS Management for Patients Throughout West Central Georgia and East Central Alabama
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition wherein the colon does not contract in a normal, rhythmic pattern but rather in a spastic, irregular way. This malfunction can lead to constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, and other symptoms.
Episodes can feel mild or intense and persist for extended periods. Depending on the severity, flare-ups can last anywhere from a few hours to a few months.
IBS is fairly common in the United States, with upwards of 15% of the population suffering from it. However, it is also suspected to be underdiagnosed since many with IBS never seek treatment. IBS tends to affect women more than men and is typically a chronic condition that can last for months or flare up over the course of a patient’s life.
If you have IBS, the GI doctors at Southeastern Gastroenterology can provide effective treatment and management.
settingsSchedule Treatment for IBS Today: 706-655-8800
What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
IBS—sometimes called spastic colon, spastic colitis, mucous colitis, or functional bowel disorder—is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that causes digestive issues for patients.
It’s considered a functional disorder because it neither causes nor is caused by structural or biochemical damage in the digestive tract, like Crohn’s disease, colon cancer, or celiac disease. Instead, it arises because of a communication issue between the gut and the brain. When communication is interrupted between the two, it can lead to problems like increased gut sensitivity, stomach weakness, overactive bowels, and other GI malfunctions.
Disrupters of the brain-gut connection can include:
Stress and anxiety
The gut and brain are well-connected by both the sympathetic nervous system, which controls fight-or-flight responses, and the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls many things, including digestion. When stress and anxiety activate the sympathetic nervous system, the parasympathetic nervous system can be thrown out of whack, resulting in digestive problems.
Poor gut microbiome
Everyone’s gut has an ecosystem, or a microbiome, which includes trillions of organisms that dictate the health of their digestive system and many other aspects of their overall health. The quality of the gut microbiome is crucial to brain health, stress levels, hormonal health, and so much more. If a person’s gut health is poor, they could experience bouts of IBS, among other complications.
Food Sensitivities
Some people’s digestive tracts lack the necessary enzymes, gut bacteria, and other organisms to digest certain foods. Foods that commonly trigger IBS include dairy, gluten, certain fruits or vegetables, spicy foods, high-fat foods, processed foods, caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated beverages.
Genetics
In some cases, certain genes can play a role in a patient’s IBS. It’s still not entirely understood how genetics influences the development of IBS, but studies show that those with IBS in the family are also at an increased risk of developing it.
There are three main types of IBS a patient can suffer from:
- IBS with constipation (IBS-C)
- IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D)
- ISB with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M)
IBS Treatment From Southeastern Gastroenterology
Our gastroenterologists and GI specialists in Columbus, GA, offer treatment and guidance for managing IBS and reducing bouts of the condition.
Exam
In the exam portion, you and your GI specialist will talk about your medical history and symptoms, including details like:
- Family history with IBS
- Personal history with IBS symptoms
- General medical history
- Lifestyle habits, including diet
- Average alcohol consumption
- Average coffee or caffeine consumption
Testing
Usually, there are no tests to be conducted for IBS. However, testing may be required to rule out other conditions or issues, such as:
- Celiac disease
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Stomach infection
- Lactose intolerance
Treatment
There are a few ways to tackle IBS management to prevent GI agitation and reduce flare-ups:
Dietary changes
Cutting out triggering foods and incorporating more fiber into your diet can significantly help with reducing IBS symptoms. Some foods to consider avoiding include wheat products, apples, pears, onions, garlic, honey, agave syrup, sugar-free gum, and mints.
Eating habit changes
Along with changing what you eat, it’s also essential to change how you eat. Rather than eating large meals at breakfast, lunch, or dinner, try eating smaller meals throughout the day to help reduce the bowels’ “spastic” reflexes.
Exercise
Regular physical activity can help relax the bowels. It also helps with the function of many systems and organs in the body and communication between those systems and organs.
Stress reduction
Stressed or anxious people can improve IBS symptoms by reducing their stress levels.
Medications
Sometimes, medications may be prescribed to help tackle IBS. When needed, antispasmodic drugs can help with bowel relaxation, antibiotics can help with microbiome improvement, and mild sedatives can assist with reducing stress or anxiety.
Schedule an IBS Evaluation: Call 706-655-8800 Today.
Symptoms, Causes, and Risk Factors of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
The following are common symptoms, causes, and risk factors of IBS.
IBS Symptoms
IBS symptoms can include:
- Diarrhea
- Mucus-y stool
- Constipation
- Stomach or abdominal pain
- Excessive gas
- Stomach cramping
- Pain that shifts around in the abdomen
- Fatigue
- Feelings of urgency when needing to have a bowel movement
- Feelings of an incomplete bowel movement after using the restroom
IBS Causes
IBS is often associated with causes like:
- Food intolerance
- Stress and anxiety
- Poor gut health
- Infection
- Genetics
IBS Risk Factors
You’re more at risk of experiencing IBS if you:
- Are female
- Have a food intolerance or food sensitivity
- Have anxiety or depression
- Experienced a stressful childhood or have a history of abuse
- Have chronic conditions like fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome
Southeastern Gastroenterology Cares for Your GI Tract and Gut Health
Southeastern Gastroenterology is dedicated entirely to your GI health for the benefit of your overall well-being. We strive to make sure you have a positive experience receiving care from our GI doctors by combining fast appointment scheduling with compassionate and honest communication and cutting-edge solutions. In addition to our IBS management and care, we offer healthcare solutions for all other GI conditions you may be experiencing or suffering from.
- Acid Reflux and Heartburn
- Barrett’s Esophagus
- Celiac Disease
- Colon Cancer
- Crohn’s Disease
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Other Conditions
Additional Conditions We Treat
- In-Office Services
- In-Hospital Procedures
- Pediatric Services
- Endoscopy Services