Why You Should Treat IBS Symptoms Early

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is a gastrointestinal disease that affects millions of Americans. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of symptoms. Since many people experience these symptoms for years before seeking help, they may think they are a normal part of life. Getting help for your IBS symptoms can prevent your symptoms from getting worse and improve your digestive health. If you notice ongoing digestive changes, early evaluation from a qualified provider can help identify the cause and guide appropriate treatment.

Resource: yalemedicine.org

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a gastrointestinal disease that affects the way your digestive system functions. Although IBS will not cause damage to your intestines, it can still cause ongoing digestive issues that affect your quality of life.

Common symptoms of IBS include:

• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Bloating or gas
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Mucus in the stool

The severity of your symptoms may vary. For example, you may only experience mild symptoms for a while and then have a flare-up.

Why You Should Seek Help for Your IBS Symptoms

Some patients wait years before seeking help for their IBS symptoms. Getting help right away can significantly improve your digestive health and symptoms.

Prevent Symptoms From Getting Worse

If you do not get help for your IBS symptoms, they can worsen over time. For example, persistent diarrhea or constipation can cause you to become dehydrated, feel fatigued, or experience ongoing abdominal pain. Seeking help right away allows our providers to assess your symptoms and provide strategies to alleviate digestive issues.

Resource: my.clevelandclinic.org

Rule Out Other Digestive Conditions

The symptoms of IBS are similar to the symptoms of other gastrointestinal diseases, such as IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease), celiac disease, infections, or food intolerance. Seeking medical attention can help determine if you have another condition.

During your appointment, we may perform some of the following tests to determine the cause of your symptoms:

• Reviewing your medical history
• Conducting a physical exam
• Blood tests
• Stool tests
• Imaging tests or endoscopy (if necessary)

Once we determine the cause of your symptoms, we can help you get the treatment you need.

Improve Your Quality of Life

Living with untreated IBS can affect every area of your life. Persistent abdominal pain, having to make urgent trips to the bathroom, or experiencing unpredictable bowel movements can affect your job, travel, and social life. Seeking medical attention right away can help improve your comfort and help you control your symptoms.

Common IBS Triggers

Although your IBS symptoms can occur at any time, there are some common triggers that can cause them to flare up. Identifying your triggers can help you control your symptoms and improve your long-term digestive health.

Some common IBS triggers include:

• Certain foods (dairy products, fatty foods, foods that produce a lot of gas, etc.)
• Stress and anxiety
• Hormonal changes
• Eating large meals
• Irregular eating habits

Keeping a food and symptom journal can help you identify patterns that cause your IBS symptoms.

How is IBS Treated?

Fortunately, there are several ways to treat your IBS symptoms. In most cases, treatment includes a combination of the following:

Dietary Changes

One of the first ways to treat your symptoms is to make some dietary changes. You may be able to control your symptoms by limiting or avoiding certain foods.

Some ways we may ask you to change your diet include:

• Increasing the amount of fiber you eat if you have IBS with constipation symptoms
• Limiting high FODMAP foods if they cause you to have gas or bloating
• Avoiding foods that make your symptoms worse

We can help you develop a healthy meal plan to avoid nutritional deficiencies.

Managing Stress

Stress and anxiety can affect your digestive system and worsen your symptoms. Finding ways to manage your stress, such as exercise, practicing mindfulness, and improving your sleep habits, may reduce flare-ups.

Medications

In some cases, you may need to take medication to control your symptoms. Medications can help regulate bowel movements, reduce intestinal muscle spasms, and alleviate abdominal pain. Our providers will help you determine which medications are best for you.

When Should You Seek Medical Attention?

If you are experiencing persistent digestive issues, it is essential to seek medical attention. You should seek help immediately if your symptoms include:

• Persistent abdominal pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Blood in your stool
• Severe diarrhea or constipation
• Symptoms that affect your quality of life

Seeking medical attention right away can help determine the cause of your symptoms and improve your treatment options.

Resource: healthline.com

Final Thoughts

While the symptoms of IBS may come on gradually, do not ignore them. Seeking medical attention right away can help determine the cause of your symptoms and improve your treatment options. Managing your IBS can improve your symptoms and quality of life and help you control flare-ups. If you are experiencing persistent digestive issues or IBS symptoms, contact the specialists at Associates in Gastroenterology in Colorado Springs. We can help determine the cause of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan to improve your digestive health.