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IBS Treatment Specialist in Oak Park, IL

IBS Treatment Specialist in Oak Park, IL

At Diamond Gastroenterology, we are proud to provide IBS treatment to any individual suffering from fatigue, food intolerance, mucus in stool, harder or looser stools, indigestion and seeking medical help with this condition. For more information, please call us or schedule an appointment online. We serve patients from Oak Park, IL and surrounding areas.

IBS Treatment Specialist Near Me in Oak Park, IL
IBS Treatment Specialist Near Me in Oak Park, IL

Table of Contents:

What is IBS?
What are the symptoms of IBS?
How is IBS treated?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be a highly frustrating condition to deal with, especially when you are not getting the help you need to manage symptoms and keep the condition under your control. If you are looking for medical help for IBS, our board-certified gastroenterologists and medical professionals at Diamond Gastroenterology would gladly provide you with IBS treatment to help you find effective relief from IBS.

What is IBS?


IBS is a chronic gastrointestinal (GI) disorder that affects your large intestine, also known as your colon. Irritable bowel syndrome is also referred to in the medical community as IBS colitis, mucous colitis, nervous colon, nervous stomach, spastic bowel, and spastic colon. It can occur with constipation (IBS-C), diarrhea (IBS-D), or a mixture of both (IBS-M). While it has similarities with other inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, it is not classified as such and does not increase one’s risk of getting such conditions.

While the precise cause of irritable bowel syndrome is not fully understood, there are several factors that experts believe contribute to the onset or development of IBS. Some of these factors include the following:

Changes in gut microbes: such changes could involve bacteria, fungi, or viruses.

Dysmotility: problems with the way your gastrointestinal muscles contract to help food move through the GI tract, such as contractions that are too strong or too weak.

Early life stress: studies have shown that people who have been exposed to trauma or stressful events, especially at a young age, are more likely to develop IBS.

Family history of IBS: having parents who suffer from IBS can increase one’s likelihood of developing the disorder.

Overactive immune system: problems with your immune system response can contribute to IBS.

Nervous system abnormalities: also known as brain-gut dysfunction, abnormalities within the nervous system can lead to miscommunication between the nerves in the brain and gut.

Visceral hypersensitivity: the nerves within the gastrointestinal tract are extra-sensitive, leading to IBS.

What are the symptoms of IBS?


There are several different possible symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, which vary from person to person. Some of these symptoms include the following:

– Abdominal pains or cramps in the lower half of the belly, often after meals
– Constipation, diarrhea, or constipation alternating with diarrhea
– Excessive flatulence or gas
– Fatigue
– Feeling that you still need to empty your bowels right after a bowel movement
– Food intolerance
– Frequent need to pee
– Harder or looser stools than normal
– Heartburn and indigestion
– Incontinence
– Mucus in your stool

In addition to the above symptoms, individuals with IBS may often experience anxiety and depression, while many individuals diagnosed with IBS may notice their symptoms worsen during the time of menstruation.

How is IBS treated?


Since there is no cure for irritable bowel syndrome, IBS treatment is generally aimed at relieving symptoms. However, treatment typically varies for each person, depending on their exact symptoms, medical history, and how well their body responds to treatment. With that in mind, treatment for IBS could involve any of the following medicines, methods, and therapies:

– Anti-diarrheal medications, to help control diarrhea.
– Anticholinergic medications, to help relieve painful bowel spasms.
– Avoiding foods that trigger symptoms, such as gluten, carbonated beverages, lactose, etc.
– Fiber supplements or laxatives, to help with constipation.
– Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or tricyclic antidepressants, to help with depression, abdominal pain, or constipation.
– Medications specifically approved for IBS, such as alosetron, eluxadoline, rifaximin, lubiprostone, or linaclotide.
– Pain relief medication, to help with belly pain, muscle spasms, bloating, or cramping.

For more information, please call us. We serve patients from Oak Park IL, River Forest IL, Cicero IL, River Grove IL, Forest Park IL, Berwyn IL, Melrose Park IL, Elmwood Park IL, Chicago IL, La Grange IL, Broadview IL, and surrounding areas.