Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in Utah
Ready to Consult a GI Physician?
Find a ProviderWhat is IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is perhaps best described as a collection of persistent symptoms felt inside the GI tract. These symptoms can result from soreness in the belly, colon, or different areas of the GI tract. IBS indicators generally happen in response to absorbing particular foods, worry, or other life concerns. IBS is a disorder that must be controlled on a continuing basis.
At Utah Gastroenterology, our GI physicians are trained to treat irritable bowel syndrome and routinely help people manage their health and symptoms. For treatment for IBS in Utah, please get in touch with our team today.
What are the symptoms of IBS?
IBS symptoms can manifest in many possible forms, affecting people in a variety of ways. In the end, it depends on how your system reacts to the food you consume or the stress you suffer in your life.
Irritable bowel syndrome may present with any of the following symptoms:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Swelling
- Excess gas
- Mucus in stool
- Cramps
- Insomnia
- Constipation
It is vital to talk to your physician if you have bloody stool, mysterious vomiting, or long-term abdominal pain that stretches to your back. Severe symptoms may show a more concerning condition, like colon cancer. Get in touch with a Utah Gastroenterology GI doctor immediately if you have any mixture of the above symptoms.
What causes IBS?
Some medical specialists refer to irritable bowel syndrome as "the brain-gut disorder." The mind controls and organizes the function of the digestive system. In theory, for patients with IBS, that organization is interrupted or disabled, which drives the digestive system to operate unnaturally.
The precise cause of IBS is still unknown. The linings of the intestines are inlaid with levels of muscle that constrict and relax as they transfer nourishment from the belly, through the intestinal tract, and to the rectum. People with IBS seem to suffer some kind of issue that affects communication between the brain, the autonomic nervous tract, and the muscle systems of the intestines, consequentially causing excessive or insufficient movement.
The leading causes of IBS include:
- Alcoholic drinks
- Caffeine
- Hormones (women are substantially more likely to have IBS, and troubles are usually worse around menstrual cycles.)
- Foods that are spicy
- High fat foods
- Infection
- Anxiety
How is IBS addressed?
At Utah Gastroenterology, our physicians regularly provide support and treatment for IBS patients from around the state. A talk with one of our gastrointestinal experts can help establish the ideal treatment options for IBS in Utah. There are various lifestyle changes that you can do to help impede and control the symptoms of IBS and improve your quality of life. A couple of those lifestyle switches are:
- Drinking plenty of water
- Obtaining plenty of rest
- Avoiding foods that trigger symptoms
- Ingesting foods rich in fiber
- Getting regular exercise
Certain medications might also help to relieve symptoms and maybe even treat a few of the primary matters associated with irritable bowel syndrome. Drugs used to treat IBS are:
- Antidepressants
- Fiber capsules
- Anti-nausea drugs
- Pain management medication
- Laxatives
- Anticholinergic drugs
- Anti-diarrheal medications
Clinical tests and studies are constantly being carried out to learn better remedies and treatments for IBS. It is additionally a great plan to keep a log of your troubles, diet, and worry level to help you grasp what elements trigger symptoms for you.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome FAQs
Is irritable bowel syndrome common?
Irritable bowel syndrome is known to affect people of all ages, although it most commonly occurs before the age of 40. Additionally, irritable bowel syndrome impacts around 10 – 15% of individuals in the United States.
Can irritable bowel syndrome be cured?
IBS is not curable, but it may enter remission by following a healthy diet and making lifestyle adjustments. Our Utah providers can help you determine changes that may help reduce your symptoms.
Is irritable bowel syndrome preventable?
The cause of IBS is unknown, meaning there is no known prevention technique. However, there are proven methods that can help keep symptoms at bay. This may include changes in your current lifestyle and medications and/or taking certain daily health supplements. Avoiding foods and beverages that trigger irritable bowel syndrome symptoms may also reduce its effects.
Is it possible to soothe an irritable bowel syndrome flare-up?
There are various ways to help minimize your symptoms if you are experiencing an IBS flare-up, such as:
- Eat light meals and avoid consuming foods that could aggravate your GI system
- Drink noncaffeinated teas, like peppermint tea, ginger tea, or lavender tea
- Move your body, such as going for a walk
- Apply heat to your lower abdominal area for about 15 minutes
- Minimize factors that cause you stress
Get help for IBS
Irritable bowel syndrome can introduce a great deal of discomfort into your life, but you don't have to face your digestive troubles alone. The board-certified GI specialists at Utah Gastroenterology offer the specific care required to recognize and help manage the ailment. To discover more about IBS symptoms or to get treatment for IBS in Utah, please talk to our staff today.
Reviews
It was a very comfortable experience.
All went well, friendly, fast, professional
They usually have a hard time getting a vein to put the IV in but Page was great!! I also have a ruff time emptying my bowels completely. This time it worked out with the colonoscopy prep they had me do. It went well and now I'm awaiting my letter to say all is well from the Pathologist.
The office is kind and efficient as are all the people you will work with. Dr. Pedersen is very kind and listens to everything you want to say. He is knowledgeable about everything available and you are part of all decisions made. I have had a number of Crohn’s doctors and Dr. Pedersen is by far the one I am most comfortable with and I know he is always doing what is best for me.
Dr. Doxey is very informative, never makes me feel rushed through my appointments.
1989
Total Reviews
4.9
Average Rating