Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Managing Symptoms and Improving Quality of Life

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Managing Symptoms and Improving Quality of Life

Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS can disrupt your life, causing you to experience frequent stomach and abdominal pain, and other symptoms. Your gastroenterologist can help you feel better. Dr. Mordo Suchov and Dr. Alan Joseph Naim at Gastroenterology Associates of Southern California in Encino, CA, provide comprehensive GI services, including diagnosis, treatment, and management of irritable bowel syndrome or IBS.

What You Need To Know About Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS causes problems in your large intestine. The gastrointestinal condition may be caused by abnormal nerve function in your gastrointestinal tract. Poor nerve function can cause the small muscles in your GI tract to move poorly, which results in food backing up in your intestine, and not passing through smoothly.

Signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome include frequent episodes of:

• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Gas and bloating
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Mucus in your stools

Living well with IBS requires some dietary changes. You should minimize or remove these foods from your diet:

• Fruits
• Milk and fats
• Chocolate and spices
• Cabbage and cauliflower
• Broccoli and beans
• Carbonated beverages and alcohol

Our gastroenterologist can help you with dietary management. In addition, your gastroenterologist may recommend:

• Taking antibiotics
• Taking fiber supplements
• Taking anti-diarrheal medications
• Taking medications to reduce intestinal spasms

For severe irritable bowel symptoms, your gastroenterologist may recommend additional medications including:

• Alosetron, to relax your colon and prevent spasms
• Lubiprostone, to increase fluid secretion so stools pass easily through your intestines

Practicing stress management can also help decrease symptoms. You can try:

• Yoga
• Meditation
• Deep breathing
• Gentle stretches

Want To Know More?

To find out more about the treatment and management of irritable bowel syndrome or IBS, call Dr. Suchov and Dr. Naim at Gastroenterology Associates of Southern California in Encino, CA. You can reach them in the office by calling (818) 905-1567, so call today.