Irritable bowel syndrome can affect anyone, but several factors may increase your risk of an unhealthy lifestyle. This disease can affect your ability to complete your tasks effectively, lowering the quality of your life. If you are struggling with IBS, you may benefit from Anchorage Pioneer GI Clinic treatments which are noninvasive but offer long-term relief.
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What should you know about irritable bowel syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome, medically known as the spastic colon, is a widespread health condition that attacks your intestines resulting in abdominal pain and discomfort. You may experience mild to severe symptoms depending on the severity of the disease. Some people can manage the painful symptoms by making minor diet adjustments and controlling their stress levels.
If you have severe symptoms that disrupt your daily activities or dull your life, you can consult your most trusted physician at Pioneer GI Clinic about the available treatments. Irritable bowel disease rarely causes severe complications and does not raise your chances of getting colorectal cancer.
How can you know that you have irritable bowel syndrome?
Medical specialists categorize IBS depending on your bowel movements. You may have IBS with diarrhea, IBS with mixed bowel habits, and IBS with constipation. The experienced team at Pioneer GI Clinic offers counseling and treatment for all three types of irritable bowel syndrome. IBS causes persistent symptoms that may not improve with over-the-counter medications. Signs that signify IBS include changes in bowel movement frequency, the appearance of your bowel movement, and bloating, cramping, or persistent abdominal pain that worsens over time.
Irritable bowel syndrome may indicate severe health issues like colon cancer in rare cases. Inform your physician immediately if you have rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, iron deficiency anemia, diarrhea at night, and difficulty swallowing.
How can your doctor diagnose IBS?
Medical researchers have yet to develop a definitive test for diagnosing IBS, but your provider may begin by reviewing your medical history. The team may also conduct a comprehensive medical exam and several tests to rule out severe conditions like celiac disease. After ruling out other medical conditions, your provider may use Rome criteria to monitor the frequency of your bowel movements and the intensity of your abdominal pain. Afterward, your specialist analyzes your test results before determining the irritable bowel syndrome you have.
How can you treat irritable bowel syndrome?
No specific treatment satisfies everyone’s needs, but at Pioneer GI Clinic, you are sure to find a treatment that meets your expectations. The team personalizes your treatment to provide much-deserved relief. You may begin your treatment with lifestyle and dietary adjustments to fit your health requirements. Your provider may recommend eating more fiber, taking plenty of fluids, limiting milk and cheese, and avoiding caffeine from sodas, chocolate, and coffee.
Stress and depression may worsen your condition, making it a vital factor to manage when treating IBS. If these conservative treatments fail to work, your provider may recommend laxatives to improve constipation, tricyclic antidepressants to control depression, and fiber supplements like psyllium to relieve constipation.
Call the Pioneer GI Clinic or book an appointment online to obtain relief from IBS.
