Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can interfere with your ability to lead a normal life, but with the help of Stomach Pain NY, you can manage your IBS for a happier, more comfortable future. If you live in Midtown East, New York City, or the surrounding area, get in touch with Stomach Pain NY to find out about the treatment options for patients who have IBS. Call today to arrange a consultation, or book an appointment using the online tool.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
What is irritable bowel syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a distressing long-term condition that causes problems in the large intestine. Typical symptoms of IBS include:
- Abdominal pain
- Cramping
- Bloating
- Intestinal gas
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Mucus in your stool
The pain, cramping, and bloating typical of an IBS attack usually gets better after you have a bowel movement. Some patients experience IBS only at certain times, whereas other patients find the condition chronically disabling.
What causes irritable bowel syndrome?
The precise cause of IBS isn’t clear, but there are several possible contributing factors:
Muscle contraction problems
The muscles in the walls of your intestines need to contract to push your food along the digestive tract, but if these contractions aren’t regular and even, it can affect your digestion. Weak, slow contractions can cause constipation, while prolonged, intense contractions can cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
Nervous system problems
Some patients who have IBS might have nerve dysfunction in their digestive system that causes increased feelings of pain or discomfort. The nerves may be sending pain signals when there’s no trauma to the tissues, or turning what would normally be a mild feeling like needing to move your bowels into severe pain.
Inflammation in the digestive tract and insufficient levels of healthy microbes in the gut are also common in people who have IBS. Most patients find that their symptoms worsen in response to certain triggers, for example, eating certain foods or feeling stressed; for women, symptoms may flare up during menstruation.
What treatments are available for irritable bowel syndrome?
IBS is incurable, but with careful management, you can lead a far more productive, rewarding life with fewer flare-ups. At Stomach Pain NY, the team uses a holistic approach to treating patients who have IBS, looking at every aspect of your life including medical history, diet, lifestyle, and causes of stress, which can all have an impact on your well-being.
Your treatment plan may include:
- Stress counseling
- Biofeedback therapy
- Relaxation exercises
- Mindfulness
- Diet and lifestyle plans
- Fiber supplements
- Laxatives
- Anti-diarrheal medications
- Bile acid binders
- Anticholinergic medications
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants
- Medications such as pregabalin and gabapentin
If your IBS is severe and not responding to conservative treatments, other medications may be useful for relaxing your colon and reducing muscle contractions.
For an effective solution to the problem of IBS, call Stomach Pain NY today or book an appointment online.