IBS affects more than half of the US population at some point in their lives. Symptoms include abdominal pain or discomfort, constipation, and diarrhea-like symptoms. Many people experience one or more of these symptoms at one point or another. However, it’s important to note that not everyone who experiences IBS will seek medical advice about it. This is because not all of the symptoms are present in every sufferer. People with IBS often have milder cases of the condition than sufferers who seek medical help for their symptoms.

The main difference between IBS and other digestive disorders is the variability in sufferers’ symptoms. Many sufferers experience one or more of the following symptoms: abdominal pain or discomfort, constipation, and diarrhea-like symptoms. However, not all sufferers have all of these symptoms; this is due to the fact that not all sufferers experience diarrhea or constipation as an IBS symptom. The severity of each symptom can also vary between sufferers- which is why it’s so important to understand the varying signs and symptoms associated with this condition.

Understanding the signs and symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome can be challenging. Sufferers can live with milder cases of the disorder without realizing it; however, if they experience any of the above severe symptoms, they should seek medical help immediately. Anyone can develop any number of complicating health conditions if their bodily systems aren’t properly regulated by the brain. That’s why it’s so important to understand what’s causing your discomforts and take steps to alleviate them as soon as possible!

Often food or drinks are the first and most regular thing that will set off a patients IBS symptoms. These triggers may include citrus fruits, beans, dairy products, cabbage, milk, and carbonated drinks.

First and foremost, IBS may come and go and can last for several minutes to several months. There are also gradual onset and sudden onset types of IBS. One symptom that can indicate whether the condition is acute or chronic is diarrhea or constipation. Next, many factors can affect the duration of IBS; these include stress, travel, diet, and medications. Additionally, the severity and type of symptoms can also vary when affected by these factors. Apart from affecting the duration of IBS, travel and certain foods can also trigger an episode of the condition.

There are several treatments for IBS that can help with the symptoms and duration of the condition. These include lifestyle changes, medications, stress management, and dietary adjustments. Fiber supplementation – especially psyllium husk – has shown to be effective in easing symptoms of IBS quite significantly. Other treatments include acupuncture, lavage therapy, biofeedback, yoga, and massage. If your doctor recommends an invasive treatment such as ablation or a sigmoidoscopy, ask if it’s covered by your insurance plan. Endoscopy is another option if your insurance covers these; it’s expensive but may be necessary in certain cases.

IBS is difficult to diagnose, which is why it’s called irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It’s difficult to distinguish between symptoms of IBS and other conditions such as appendicitis or diverticulitis since both are abdominal experiences that cause intense abdominal pain and cramping.

There’s still much we don’t know about IBS. Doctors rely on sufferers’ firsthand experiences when diagnosing the condition; therefore, it’s important to speak up if you’re diagnosed with something other than what you believe you have.

Main diet triggers that can cause IBS to include:
– Cereals and bread that are made with refined grains
– Processed foods including cookies and chips
– Carbonated drinks, alcohol, and coffee
– High-protein diets
– Dairy products, particularly cheese
– Fried and fatty foods

Other things include stress and anxiety from sources including commuting, work, issues at home, money problems, and a sense you are feeling out of control, as well some antidepressants, antibiotics, and medicine like cough syrup. We serve patients from Oak Park IL, River Forest IL, Cicero IL, River Grove IL, Forest Park IL, Berwyn IL, Melrose Park IL and Broadview IL.