Up to 15% of adults in the United States may suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Symptoms of IBS like gas and bloating can be embarrassing and debilitating. At Brighton Beach Medical Group in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, experienced gastroenterologist Steven Tawil, MD, helps relieve IBS discomfort and other symptoms so you can enjoy life to its fullest. Schedule an appointment by calling the New York City office today.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), is a chronic health condition that affects your large intestine. It can cause mild to severe gastrointestinal symptoms that feel uncomfortable, but it doesn’t harm your intestines.
IBS triggers often include eating certain foods, hormone fluctuations, and stress. Treating IBS involves managing your lifestyle, stress, and diet to relieve symptoms.
The following signs and symptoms can indicate you have IBS:
Problems associated with untreated IBS include reduced quality of life, missed workdays, depression, and anxiety. However, irritable bowel syndrome doesn’t appear to increase your risk of colorectal cancer.
The exact cause of IBS isn’t entirely clear, but many things seem to increase your risk of developing it. Examples include:
IBS affects about two times as many women as men and often occurs in people younger than age 45.
There’s no specific test for irritable bowel syndrome, but Dr. Tawil reviews your medical history, completes a physical exam, and asks you about your symptoms.
He could perform blood, imaging, stool, and other diagnostic tests to rule out medical conditions with similar symptoms like celiac disease.
Your personalized IBS treatment plan involves managing your symptoms. Dr. Tawil could recommend one or more of the following:
Altering your diet and avoiding foods that trigger IBS can relieve symptoms. Drink plenty of water, eat high-fiber foods, and limit or avoid trigger foods like alcohol, carbonated drinks, gluten, caffeine, dairy foods, and certain vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage).
Dr. Tawil might encourage you to try dietary supplements like fiber, peppermint, and probiotics supplements to ease IBS symptoms.
Getting plenty of sleep, exercising regularly, eating at regular meal times, and managing stress can also relieve symptoms of IBS. Acupuncture, mindfulness training, yoga, and meditation can help, too.
Depression can worsen IBS symptoms, which is why Dr. Tawil will recommend counseling as part of your personalized IBS treatment plan.
Taking medications can relieve your discomfort or reduce symptoms of depression associated with IBS.
Don’t let IBS prevent you from enjoying life to its fullest. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Tawil at Brighton Beach Medical Group by phone today.
