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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a distressing condition causing abdominal pain and digestive system upset. If you develop IBS symptoms, visit one of Newtown Gastroenterology’s offices in New York City for expert diagnosis and treatment. Offices are located at Elmhurst and Flushing in Queens, Sunset Park in Brooklyn, and Chinatown in Manhattan, where experienced gastroenterologists provide the most effective, up-to-date treatments for IBS. Call your nearest office today for expert IBS care or schedule a consultation online.
IBS Q&A
What is IBS?
IBS is a gastroenterology condition causing abdominal discomfort and altered bowel movements. It’s very common, affecting up to 15% of the United States population.
In Western countries, IBS typically affects twice as many women as men. Most people with IBS develop symptoms before age 40, with many recalling symptom onset during childhood or young adulthood.
What causes IBS?
Recent research shows that many IBS symptoms relate to nerve hypersensitivity in the gastrointestinal tract wall. For some patients, IBS may develop because of how these gut nerves communicate with the brain or how their brain processes information received from the nerves.
There’s likely a hereditary component because many IBS patients have at least one family member with similar symptoms. More rarely, IBS symptoms develop after a severe intestinal infection (post-infectious IBS).
It’s important to note that despite the similarity in names, IBS is very different from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
What type of irritable bowel syndrome might affect me?
IBS types include:
IBS-D
IBS-D symptoms are mostly diarrhea and abdominal pain.
IBS-C
IBS-C symptoms are mainly constipation and abdominal discomfort.
IBS-mixed
IBS-mixed patients also have abdominal discomfort but alternate between loose stools and constipation.
IBS-U
IBS-U is an undefined subtype where symptoms vary.
How is irritable bowel syndrome diagnosed?
To diagnose IBS, the Newtown Gastroenterology team reviews your medical history and symptoms and conducts a physical exam. They may want you to have further diagnostic tests, which could include:
- Lactose intolerance tests
- Stool tests
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) breath tests
- A CT scan
- Upper endoscopy
- Colonoscopy
These tests identify or rule out other possible causes of your symptoms. If they’re negative, you likely have IBS.
What treatments will help me with irritable bowel syndrome?
The Newtown Gastroenterology team uses a holistic approach to treat IBS, combining dietary recommendations, supplements, and medical management.
Making dietary and other lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your IBS symptoms. Your provider might recommend:
- Slowly increasing fiber-rich foods
- Taking fiber supplements
- Eliminating foods that trigger symptoms
- Eating at regular mealtimes
- Exercising regularly
- Getting plenty of sleep
- Drinking lots of fluids
If you’re unsure, your provider can help you determine which foods trigger your IBS symptoms. You might also benefit from medications to reduce the unpleasant effects of IBS.
Call Newtown Gastroenterology today for help with your IBS. You can also use the online scheduling feature to book an appointment.