April is Dedicated to IBS Awareness: Learn the Signs, Symptoms, and Treatments

Countless adults are impacted by persistent intestinal pain and bowel problems. What you may not know is that this could be a signal of irritable bowel syndrome, often referred to as IBS. This disorder affects 10 – 15% of adults and is incurable. At Digestive Health Associates of Texas in Dallas, TX, it’s our goal to increase awareness and understanding about this ailment throughout the month of April, which is IBS Awareness Month. Even though there is no cure, it doesn’t mean you must live with persistent gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort.

What should I know about irritable bowel syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome is a long-term digestive disorder that influences digestive function and impacts the large and small intestines. Simply put, the gastrointestinal tract and brain have problems working together, which causes the digestive tract to become sensitive. It also causes the colon muscle to contract more than is typical.

These problems can provoke symptoms, like gas, stomach trouble, cramping, irregularity, diarrhea, and other concerns. If you are afflicted with this condition, you probably won't experience IBS symptoms every day. With IBS, some days are completely normal and on other days, symptoms are worse — it really depends on the kind of IBS you suffer from. The different kinds of IBS are:

  • IBS with diarrhea
  • IBS with mixed bowel habits
  • IBS with constipation

Our IBS specialists at Digestive Health Associates of Texas frequently provide IBS treatment to Dallas, TX patients. We can establish what kind of irritable bowel syndrome you suffer from and help you find comfort.

How is irritable bowel syndrome diagnosed?

If you have experienced indicators of IBS, it might be sensible to seek out the assistance of a GI physician near you. Our experts can help determine if your symptoms are irritable bowel syndrome or something else. Before a physical exam, we’ll ask a few questions to help us better understand your symptoms and wellness history. Under some circumstances, we may recommend a blood evaluation or stool sample as a method to rule out any disorders that might be misidentified as irritable bowel syndrome. Common symptoms of IBS are:

  • Flatulence
  • Swelling
  • Bowel urgency
  • Loose stool or constipation
  • Loss of appetite
  • Gut pain

Once we have adequate proof that you suffer from IBS, our gastrointestinal physicians in Dallas, TX can establish the best irritable bowel syndrome treatment to suit your requirements.

How is IBS addressed?

There is no tried-and-true treatment for irritable bowel syndrome, so it could take some experimentation to discover an IBS treatment that works for you. However, a number of people realize that they can make some nutritional and physical activity changes and have outstanding results. Common changes that often reduce IBS symptoms include:

  • Creating a regular exercise routine
  • Quitting smoking
  • Avoiding all forms of caffeine
  • Increasing fiber intake (more fruits, veggies, grains, and additional fiber, like Metamucil®)
  • Increasing water intake
  • Consuming fewer dairy products
  • Eating minor meals more often rather than three larger meals

It’s also proactive to keep a food journal. This can help you discover which foods trigger irritable bowel syndrome issues so you can avoid those items in the future. Additionally, if you take any medications, we might examine those to determine if any modifications can be made to the dosage or type.

Relief from IBS is possible

If you experience issues from irritable bowel syndrome, like gut discomfort, diarrhea, and gas, it can be difficult to plan outings, as this disease can disturb even the most special events. We suggest visiting our GI physicians in Dallas, TX promptly so we can help you identify and treat your irritable bowel syndrome issues. While there is no cure, it is possible to manage your symptoms so you can live more freely. To learn more about irritable bowel syndrome or IBS treatment options, get in touch with Digestive Health Associates of Texas today.