Irritable Bowel Syndrome
As many as one in five Americans have IBS symptoms making it one of the most common disorders diagnosed by doctors. It occurs more often in women than in men. It can be extremely frustrating and at times a debilitating condition that interferes with normal daily life, including job performance and social life.
Unfortunately, for many diagnosed with IBS, there is also a sense of frustration in regards to how they are perceived and treated by their physician. Many feel that because IBS conditions are so varied, they are often not taken seriously. Patients can feel that only basic symptoms are treated, without regard to their overall gastrointestinal health.
At Gastroenterology Associates, we consider IBS a condition that needs to be properly diagnosed and treated. More serious causes need to be considered to either be treated or ruled out. Our physicians work with IBS patients individually to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to their diagnosis, rather than a general one-size fits all treatment. Our physicians want the patient to play an active role in the diagnosis and treatment. We will work with our patients to make sure the treatment plan is working. Our physicians can be accessed via email if serious concerns arise or symptoms change and need to be addressed.
Learn more about IBS below:
IBS or irritable bowel syndrome is a combination of abdominal cramping, bloating or a change in bowel movements (diarrhea, constipation). IBS affects the intestines, and the symptoms are uncomfortable. Patients may have diarrhea (IBS-D), constipation (IBS-C) or a combination of both diarrhea and constipation. It can be debilitating and even hinder routine, daily tasks. IBS is a functional problem and is not the result of a germ or bacteria. IBS does not cause intestinal bleeding, bowel obstruction or cancer.
IBS can be affected by diet, lifestyle, hormones and stress. Unfortunately, many patients are often misdiagnosed or labeled with a psychiatric condition.
Diagnosing IBS is based on ruling out other possibilities, therefore there are a few tests that have to done before properly diagnosing someone with IBS. Testing may include blood work, diagnostic studies, urine testing, stool testing, colonoscopy and endoscopy.
Treatment of IBS is based on different factors: age, severity of IBS and tolerance of the patient. Some patients get relief or reduce their symptoms by slowly adding more fiber into their diet. Some patients may experience relief with medications. There are many ways to help improve the symptoms for those with IBS.
Our physicians are two of the best in this field. They are the experienced and up-to-date. They spend time with you and carefully listen to your concerns. You are treated like a family member to our facility and not just a patient. Our doctors have seen many IBS patients and are helpful and accurate in their treatment strategies. Each patient’s case has a different approach and plan. We have highly flexible strategies for treating IBS.
This is the reason that so many from across the country and world travel to GABH for treatment.
Unfortunately, many patients with IBS are often told that there is an underlying psychiatric cause. We pride ourselves on properly diagnosing patients, without mislabeling conditions. We promise to guide you to the point where you can live a life that is not controlled by your gastrointestinal system, but controlled by you. We know that IBS can be affect your life, although it is generally not a life threatening condition.
Our center utilizes a multidisciplinary team approach to your healthcare, which means that patients benefit from the combined expertise of physicians who have the knowledge, perspective and experience to address all aspects of your complete gastroenterological care.
We offer the most advanced diagnostic techniques and treatments for a wide variety of gastroenterological conditions. We also offer a full range of diagnostic procedures, as well as medical, surgical and minimally invasive treatment options to meet the individual needs of patients with gastroenterological conditions of any kind. Contact us if you are experiencing gastrointestinal issues that have not yet been addressed by our physicians.
