Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal condition affecting the stomach and intestines. Symptoms can include cramping, belly pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation. IBS is an ongoing condition that needs long-term management.
Med Center Health offers Gastroenterology outpatient services in Bowling Green, Glasgow, Franklin, Scottsville, and Russellville. Med Center Health’s Gastroenterology team includes Dr. Leah Griggs, Dr. Avinash “Avi” Aravantagi, Dr. Babu Rao, and three APRNs. Dr. Avi, a gastroenterologist at The Medical Center at Franklin, says it is estimated between 10%-15% of U.S. adults suffer from IBS.
“To be considered a person with IBS, you would need to be having recurrent abdominal pain for more than one day per week for the last three months,” said Dr. Avi. “This will also be occurring with bowel disturbances.”
IBS is most commonly found in patients under 40, and most commonly seen in women. IBS is a chronic disorder with no cure, but there are ways to treat the symptoms.
“If you are experiencing symptoms of IBS, we can help by giving you information, advice, and guidance on how to help alleviate this condition,” said Dr. Avi. “We can prescribe you medications. There are some over-the-counter medications that can help with IBS, but if those are not helping, the gastroenterologist will prescribe medications to treat your issues.”
IBS symptoms can increase and decrease in severity based on triggers. These triggers are typically related to a person’s diet or stress level. Many people have worse IBS symptoms when they eat or drink certain foods or beverages. These include wheat, dairy products, citrus fruits, beans, cabbage, milk and carbonated drinks.
Most people with IBS also experience worse, or more-frequent, symptoms during periods of increased stress. While stress does not cause IBS, it can make symptoms worse. This is why Med Center Health offers a holistic approach to IBS treatment.
“Outside of the treatment and medications we can provide, we also have dietitians who can help you with a low-FODMAP diet,” said Dr. Avi. FODMAP is an acronym for a certain class of carbohydrates, called fermentable short-chain carbohydrates, which are more difficult for people to digest. “If patients have a lot of stress or anxiety issues, we have psychotherapy and a psychiatry department, which can help them. Physical stress or emotional stress can affect your IBS.”
If you are experiencing the symptoms of IBS, or other gastrointestinal conditions, it is important to speak with a medical professional. The professionals at Med Center Health can help diagnose your issues, educate you on how to improve your condition, and get you the help you need.
Med Center Health providers can also help rule out or diagnose any other conditions that may be causing these issues.
“We need to make sure you have enough knowledge to differentiate what is going on,” said Dr. Avi. “Your symptoms could be IBS, but you need to see a doctor to rule out other possibilities, like celiac disease, colon cancer, or inflammatory bowel disease.”
To learn more about Med Center Health Gastroenterology, visit: MedCenterHealth.org/GI.
-submitted by Med Center Health
Be the first to comment