The American College of Gastroenterology estimates that 10-15% of people in the United States are living with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Symptoms range from abdominal cramping and bloating to diarrhea versus constipation and moderate to severe belly pain.
Dr. Prem Chattoo and his team at Hudson River Gastroenterology specialize in conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract. They offer state-of-the-art care with patient-focused support that can overcome the challenges of IBS.
Read more about IBS and why identifying your triggers is essential to successful management.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that involves the large intestine. While the exact cause of IBS is unknown, there are several factors believed to contribute to its symptoms, including:
Stronger or longer than normal contractions can cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Weak intestinal contractions can slow the travel of food through your system and lead to hard, dry stools.
Abnormalities in the nerves in the digestive system can cause discomfort when gas or stool causes intestinal walls to stretch.
Some people with IBS have increased numbers of immune-system cells in their intestines, causing inflammation that may contribute to IBS.
Naturally occurring bacteria and other microbes in the intestines play a crucial role in digestive health. Research indicates that the microbes in people with IBS might differ from those in healthy people.
Although we don’t understand what causes IBS, we do know that an episode may be triggered by:
Dr. Chattoo develops a personalized treatment plan for IBS that may include medications to manage your symptoms successfully. Additionally, a mainstay of preventative IBS treatment is identifying and avoiding triggers, which can vary from one individual to another.
A food and symptom diary is essential for identifying IBS triggers. Document everything you eat and drink, along with any symptoms you experience, to identify patterns.
Here’s how to get started:
After a few weeks, review your diary to identify any patterns or specific foods that correlate with your symptoms.
Additionally, make a note of any stressful events, sleepless nights, etc., that preceded your IBS symptoms. The goal is to correlate food, behavior, etc., with an IBS episode.
Once you've identified potential triggers, Dr. Chattoo may suggest you try an elimination diet. This involves removing the foods or drinks that seem to be associated with your symptoms, eliminating them from your diet completely for 2-4 weeks.
Keep tracking your symptoms during this period to see if there’s any improvement. After 2-4 weeks, reintroduce each food or drink one at a time, spaced several days apart, and monitor your symptoms closely. If you develop symptoms, mark that food or beverage down as a trigger to avoid.
If stress is a factor in your symptoms, create a plan to manage that with regular exercise, yoga, meditation, and other relaxing activities.
Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Prem Chattoo at Hudson River Gastroenterology today for expert care and ongoing support in managing IBS. Call the office or request an appointment online.
