Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Gastroenterology located in St. Clair Shores and Macomb, MI

Irritable Bowel Syndrome services offered in St. Clair Shores and Macomb, MI

An estimated 10-15% of people in the United States have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a chronic condition that causes abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. Though the gastrointestinal (GI) condition doesn’t damage the digestive system, the symptoms affect your quality of life. At G.I. Medicine Associates, P.C. in St. Clair Shores and Macomb, Michigan, the team of highly skilled gastroenterologists specializes in diagnosing and treating irritable bowel syndrome. For expert help with your IBS, call the office to schedule an appointment.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Q&A

What is irritable bowel syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common, long-term gastrointestinal (GI) condition that causes ongoing abdominal discomfort and changes in bowel habits.

IBS is a functional GI disorder, which means the symptoms and changes in bowel habits occur because of communication problems between your brain and gut. These problems may make your gut more sensitive to pain or change how your digestive muscles contract.

Though IBS symptoms are challenging, they don’t cause any damage to the GI tract.

What are the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome?

Recurrent abdominal pain is one of the most common symptoms of IBS. Your pain may come with changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or both.

You may have stool as thin as a pencil or mucus-covered, along with bloating and gas. IBS doesn’t cause weight loss or blood in the stool. However, if you have any of these symptoms, the team at G.I. Medicine Associates, P.C. can help.

What types of tests do I need to diagnose irritable bowel syndrome?

The team at G.I. Medicine Associates, P.C. conducts a thorough history and physical so they fully understand your symptoms to determine what tests you might need to find the cause.

Testing for IBS may include blood work, stool tests, and X-rays to rule out other conditions that might explain your symptoms. In some cases, the team may recommend a colonoscopy to examine your large intestine and confirm your diagnosis.

However, no single test can diagnose IBS. The gastroenterologists diagnose the disorder based on your symptoms after ruling out other possible causes.

What are some of the treatment options for irritable bowel syndrome?

The G.I. Medicine Associates, P.C. team customizes your IBS treatment plan based on the type and severity of your symptoms.

Treatment options for IBS include:

Diet modifications
Regular exercise
Stress management
Antidepressants
Medication to manage diarrhea or constipation
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

No single treatment works for all, and the team may have you try various treatments and therapies to find the best methods for you.

You can get control of your IBS symptoms with help from the team at G.I. Medicine Associates, P.C. Call the office nearest you to schedule an appointment.