Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common, chronic condition that affects the digestive system, causing gastrointestinal issues. It affects the lower GI tract, including the small intestine and the colon. IBS can be disruptive to daily life, causing abdominal pain and spasms along with changes in bowel movements.

There are three different types of IBS:

IBS-C (IBS with constipation)
IBS-D (IBS with diarrhea)
IBS-M (mixed)

The exact cause of IBS isn’t known. Some people can have the same symptoms but different triggers of their IBS. Some experts think that if you have IBS, your colon or small intestine may be more sensitive than the average person’s.

When you have IBS, your colon muscles begin to spasm after only mild stimulation or after normal events, such as:

Eating
Swelling or bloating from gas or other material in the colon
Taking some medications
Eating specific types of food

Some women with IBS have more symptoms during their periods. Certain foods, such as dairy products and food with poorly digested carbohydrates called FODMAPs, may make IBS symptoms worse. Stress can also cause symptoms to increase.

IBD is a group of diseases, while IBS is a syndrome that represents a group of symptoms. The IBD diseases tend to cycle through bouts of flare-ups and remissions, while the symptoms of IBS can be triggered by certain foods, emotional or physical stress, hormonal changes, and more.

IBD can be detected via colonoscopy and may increase your risk of colon cancer, while IBS does not.

It is possible to have both IBD and IBS.

The two main symptoms are:

Chronic (long-term) abdominal pain or discomfort
Changes in bowel habits (Diarrhea, constipation, or both)

Individuals with IBS may also experience symptoms of gas and bloating. Symptoms can be triggered by stress, hormonal changes, and other environmental factors.

UR Medicine's Treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

There is no single test for IBS. Diagnosis is based on typical IBS symptoms. Your provider may run a few tests to rule out other medical conditions, such as:

Celiac disease
Lactose intolerance
Inflammatory bowel disease
Parasite infections

While there is no cure for IBS, there are ways to help manage symptoms. These might include:

Dietary changes such as increasing high-fiber foods and eliminating foods that trigger IBS symptoms
Medications like fiber supplements, laxatives, antibiotics, probiotics
Stress management (yoga, therapy, meditation)

There is no "one size fits all" treatment for IBS. What works for one person to manage symptoms might not work for another. Your healthcare provider will work to find the best treatment plan for you.

What Sets Us Apart?

UR Medicine Gastroenterology and Hepatology treats all major diseases of the GI tract, liver, gall bladder, pancreas, and bile ducts. We regularly serve as a valuable second (and even third and fourth) opinion resource for patients referred from far and wide. Our involvement with clinical trials allows patients access to advanced treatments that are not yet widely available.