Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is often confused with “colitis,” but it is a separate condition and is characterized by abdominal cramping or pain, gassiness, bloating and changes in your bowel habits. It can be, however, very disruptive to your daily routine.

No one truly understands the cause of IBS. It’s believed to be a combination of factors, including a change in the way that the body communicates between the brain and the GI tract. While it is a widely held belief, no connection has been found between IBS and diet, such as food sensitivities or allergies.

The symptoms can be a sign of other health issues as well as IBS. Abdominal pain and discomfort is the most often reported symptom. You may also experience cramping, periods of diarrhea followed by constipation, gassiness, the presence of mucus passing from the rectum and bloating. If you have black or bloody stool, fever, pain that is bad enough to wake you up or unexpected weight loss, it is not a sign of IBS and you should consult your doctor immediately.

Because irritable bowel disease can manifest itself in different ways in different people, it can be difficult to diagnose. As such, the experts at Celebration Colorectal may order tests, including CT scans, X-rays or a GI endoscopy in concert with a complete medical history and physical examination.

If you're interested in learning more about irritable bowel syndrome treatment options, please make an appointment today.