Do you suffer from constipation that is associated with pain at least one day per week? While everyone experiences stools that are hard and dry along with abdominal pain, when the issue becomes chronic, it may be a sign of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Irritable bowel syndrome is a collection of symptoms that includes bloating, food intolerances, and fatigue. Persistent constipation and abdominal pain are usually telltale signs that your colon isn’t doing its job properly.
If you want to find out more about IBS, read on. Our team at the gastroenterology office of Hardeep M. Singh, M.D., has put together a short guide to help you understand what could be causing your abdominal pain and discomfort.
The cause of IBS is mostly unknown, although the suspects are the gut, brain, and nervous system, as these are the areas that contribute to healthy digestion and bowel movements.
Irritable bowel syndrome also seems to be more prevalent in women, and its severity seems to decrease once women hit menopause. It appears to worsen, though, during pregnancy, which brings the role of hormones into the mix.
Food sensitivities can also trigger IBS episodes of constipation, bloating, and pain, so make sure you keep track of what foods cause your symptoms.
Treatment of IBS depends on the severity of the symptoms. At the gastroenterology office of Hardeep M. Singh, M.D., we analyze the diet of each patient. In less severe cases, a dietary change alone can provide relief. Studies show that under the right guidance, a large percentage of IBS sufferers can manage their symptoms with a few diet tweaks.
If diet changes alone don’t decrease the pain, bloating, and constipation, there are prescription medications that can help reduce IBS symptoms.
Irritable bowel syndrome isn’t curable at this time, but it can be managed. Management is needed because the constipation and other symptoms can lead to hemorrhoids, rectal prolapse, rectal bleeding, and ulcerative colitis.
But most of all, IBS can affect your quality of life. When left untreated, IBS can lead to depression and anxiety, as pain and discomfort can isolate people and make them feel uncomfortable in a social setting.
In some cases, IBS isn’t the issue. Many supplements and medications have side effects that can mimic IBS symptoms. But a diagnosis is still important if you want to enjoy a pain-free life.
If you have IBS or want to see if you do, book an appointment online or over the phone with Hardeep M. Singh, M.D., today.
