Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) doesn’t damage your gastrointestinal system but does cause painful and distressing symptoms. If you’re affected by IBS symptoms, visit one of Wake Endoscopy’s offices in Raleigh, Wake Forest, Cary, Clayton, or Wilson, North Carolina. The skilled team of gastroenterologists can rule out other causes of your symptoms and provide effective therapies to control IBS. To benefit from their expertise, call the nearest office or request an appointment online today. 

What is irritable bowel syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition affecting the large intestine (colon). It can cause ongoing symptoms such as:

• Bloating
• Abdominal cramping 
• Constipation 
• Diarrhea
• Mucus in the stool
• Flatulence (gas)
• Bowel straining and urgency

IBS is uncomfortable and distressing. However, you don’t suffer any tissue damage as you would with the similarly named inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

IBS is a common problem, but the cause is unclear. Women get it more often than men, and you’re more likely to have IBS if a close family member also has it. Most people who have IBS typically develop it before the age of 35.

How is IBS diagnosed?

There are currently no lab tests that can diagnose IBS, so your provider at Wake Endoscopy has to rule out other causes of your symptoms. You might have to undergo one or more tests, such as:

Blood test

A blood test will exclude conditions like celiac disease (an allergic reaction to gluten) that can cause similar symptoms to IBS.

Lactose intolerance tests

Lactose intolerance (where your body can’t break down milk sugars) can also cause some of the same symptoms as IBS. A lactose intolerance test can confirm whether you have this problem.

CT scan

A CT scan creates a cross-sectional picture of your internal organs to help diagnose other gastrointestinal disorders.

Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy involves using a flexible tube fitted with a camera to examine your colon.

How is IBS treated?

There’s no cure for IBS, but the experienced team at Wake Endoscopy can help you manage the symptoms. Treatments that can ease IBS include:

Controlling your diet

Avoid anything that triggers a flare-up. Common triggers include alcohol, fizzy drinks, chocolate, and some fruits or vegetables.

Stress management

Stress can make your IBS worse. Learning relaxation techniques and taking steps to reduce stress in your life helps keep your symptoms under control.

Fiber supplements

You might benefit from taking fiber supplements if you get constipation.

Medications

Anti-diarrheal medications can help control your symptoms. Certain drugs relax your colon and slow down the speed of your bowel function. Other medicines help to control painful spasms in the intestines. If constipation is the main problem, medications are available that increase fluid levels in your small intestine.

If you’re struggling with IBS symptoms, get an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment at Wake Endoscopy. Call the nearest office to book an appointment or request one online today.