What is IBS?

April is IBS Awareness Month. The American College of Gastroenterology estimates that nearly 10-15% of Americans have IBS, though that number could be higher since many people don’t seek medical support for their symptoms.

What is IBS?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS for short, is a condition characterized by changes in a person’s bowel movements, which can lead to constipation, diarrhea, or both. IBS symptoms — and intensity — vary from person to person and can include any combination of the following:

• Chronic and persistent abdominal pain
• Constipation alternating with diarrhea
• Mucus in the stool
• Gassiness
• Abdominal bloating, or the sensation of feeling full
• Abdominal distention or swelling
• The urge to move your bowels without being able to have a bowel movement
• Nausea

IBS falls into three categories

• IBS-C: IBS with constipation
• IBS-D: IBS with diarrhea
• IBS-Mixed: IBS with mixed constipation and diarrhea

Treatment for and managing IBS

There is no cure for IBS, and it can be challenging to manage. However, there are effective treatment options available. Most treatment for IBS focuses on

• changes in lifestyle
• the type of food consumed and
• decreasing stress levels

For patients managing IBS, the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) recommends the following:

• If you have a lot of bloating, slow down when you eat and do not overeat.
• Avoid sugar substitutes since these can sometimes cause gas, bloating, cramping, and diarrhea.
• Avoid eating gassy foods such as beans, onions, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, or cabbage. Some people have trouble with wheat, dairy products, and some fruits like bananas, apples, apricots, peaches, pears, and plums.
• Avoid foods that aggravate your IBS symptoms.
• If making diet changes, keep a food diary of your symptoms. Keeping a detailed log can help narrow down foods that might be triggering issues. This then allows you to eliminate a specific food or food group.
• Avoid chewing gum, which can lead to too much air being swallowed.
• Taking more dissolvable fiber in your diet may help your symptoms, especially if you are constipated. However, make sure you are drinking enough water before adding fiber to your diet. Fiber without enough fluid can make your constipation worse. Start with a small amount and increase it slowly.
• When you make any change to your diet, do it gradually to give your body time to adjust.

Challenges for people with IBS

IBS symptoms can often be bad enough to cause people to miss school or work, as well as reduce social activities and skip life events.

Because there is no cure for IBS, doctors and patients have to work closely together to manage and treat a patient’s symptoms. Our team of doctors is able and ready to listen carefully and come alongside you to manage and treat your systems. Don’t let digestive discomfort disrupt your life; we are here to help.

Get Expert Care

Gastroenterology Associates opened in 1978. We offer five offices and three endoscopy centers in Greenville, Spartanburg, Simpsonville, and Clemson. As the largest and most experienced gastroenterology practice in South Carolina, we provide expert care with the latest diagnostic testing and treatment plans. Our medical staff comprises 20 Gastroenterologists and 11 Advanced Practice Providers who are all committed to treating our patients with kindness and respect.

We look forward to providing you with the advanced care every patient deserves. Please call us at 864-232-7338 or visit us online to request an appointment. We have a convenient program to allow you to schedule your screening colonoscopy without needing a clinic visit!