Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in San Antonio, TX
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Find a ProviderWhat is IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is categorized as a group of persistent symptoms that occur within the gastrointestinal tract. These symptoms can happen from irritation in the abdomen, colon, or other areas of the digestive tract. IBS troubles generally result in response to consuming certain foods, stress, or diverse life circumstances. IBS is a disorder that must be managed on a continuing basis.
At San Antonio Gastroenterology Associates, our GI providers are trained to deal with irritable bowel syndrome, and routinely help patients handle their health and symptoms. To get treatment for IBS in San Antonio, TX, please reach out to a location in your community.
What are the symptoms of IBS?
There are many IBS symptoms that might appear, which may differ significantly from person to person. In the end, it is based on how your intestines react to the food you eat or the stress you are dealing with.
Irritable bowel syndrome signs may involve:
- Cramps
- Difficulty sleeping
- Nausea
- Mucus in stool
- Constipation
- Gut pain
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Excess gas
It is important to talk to your provider if you have blood in your stool, mysterious vomiting, or long-term gut pain that radiates to your back. Severe indicators can show a more concerning condition, like colon cancer. Get in touch with a San Antonio Gastroenterology Associates specialist immediately if you have any combination of the listed symptoms.
What causes IBS?
IBS is sometimes called “the brain-gut disorder.” The mind controls and organizes the function of the gastrointestinal tract. In theory, when IBS develops, that regulation is interrupted or disabled, which causes the digestive system to behave unnaturally.
The exact cause of IBS is still unknown. The walls of the bowels are lined with coats of muscle that compress and relax as they transfer food from the belly, through the intestinal tract, and to the rectum. People who have IBS seem to have a disorder in the interaction within the head, the autonomic nervous system, and the musculature of the intestines, consequentially causing too much or insufficient movement.
The leading causes of IBS are:
- Hormones (women are substantially more likely to suffer from IBS, and symptoms are usually worse during menstrual cycles.)
- Anxiety
- Spicy foods
- Foods high in fat
- Caffeinated drinks
- Alcoholic drinks
- Illness
How is IBS treated?
The GI specialists at San Antonio Gastroenterology Associates frequently provide IBS treatment for patients in San Antonio, TX. A consultation with one of our GI providers can help determine the ideal treatment choices for IBS. There are various lifestyle changes that you can make to help manage the signs of IBS and increase your quality of life. A couple of those lifestyle modifications are:
- Obtaining adequate sleep
- Consuming foods high in fiber
- Avoiding foods that cause symptoms
- Exercising regularly
- Drinking plenty of water
Medications may also help to relieve symptoms and potentially handle some of the primary problems associated with irritable bowel syndrome. Drugs used to handle IBS are:
- Anticholinergic drugs
- Laxatives
- Pain management drugs
- Fiber capsules
- Antidepressants
- Anti-diarrheal drugs
- Anti-nausea drugs
Clinical tests and studies are constantly being administered to reveal better solutions and treatments for IBS. It is also a good idea to keep a log of your symptoms, diet, and stress level to help you realize what factors trigger symptoms for you.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome FAQs
Is IBS common?
IBS can affect both children and adults, but it often develops in individuals around 40 years of age. IBS affects about 10 – 15% of individuals in the United States.
Can IBS be cured?
IBS is not a condition that can be cured, but it can likely enter remission by a healthy diet along with making changes to your lifestyle. Our San Antonio, TX gastroenterologists are ready to assist you while you make needed adjustments to manage your irritable bowel syndrome.
Can IBS be prevented?
The cause of IBS is unknown, therefore there is no prevention technique at this time. Although, we do have effective changes to manage symptoms. This may involve lifestyle changes and medications and adding in vitamin supplements. Quitting foods and beverages that spark IBS will help lessen your symptoms.
Can an IBS flare-up be alleviated?
There are a few ways you can minimize associated symptoms if you are going through an flare-up, including:
- Apply a heat pack to your lower stomach area for around 15 minutes
- Go for a walk
- Keep your meals light and cut out things that may cause issues to your stomach
- Sip caffeine-free tea, including peppermint tea, ginger tea, and a lavender tea
- Try to reduce things that stress you out
Get support for IBS
IBS can cause a variety of intestinal symptoms, but it does not need to dominate your lifestyle. The board-certified GI specialists at San Antonio Gastroenterology Associates provide the expert care required to diagnose and help control the disorder. To find out more about IBS symptoms and treatment in San Antonio, TX, please contact our team today.
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