Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that can cause excessive bloating, cramping, and gas. Gastroenterologist Mehrdad Asgeri, MD, helps patients manage symptoms of IBS at Oasis Advanced Gastroenterology. If irritable bowel syndrome negatively affects your quality of life, call Dr. Asgeri and the experienced team at their office in Palm Springs - serving Rancho Mirage, Indio, La Quinta, and Palm Desert, CA - Call the Palm Springs, California. You can also go online to book an appointment using the convenient booking tool.
IBS is a condition that can involve several uncomfortable symptoms, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, and excess gas. If you have IBS, you may experience all of these symptoms without any underlying disease or damage to your digestive tract.
IBS is typically a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder. These are disorders that stem from a problem in the way your brain and gut work together. Functional GI disorders can increase the sensitivity in your gut or change the way the muscles in your colon contract. These changes can lead to diarrhea, constipation, or both.
IBS is sometimes called colitis, spastic colon, nervous colon, and spastic bowel.
Many people experience occasional IBS symptoms, but certain factors may increase your likelihood of developing it. For example, IBS affects women about twice as often as men. It’s also much more common in people under the age of 50.
Other factors that may increase your risk of IBS include:
Certain dietary habits can also exacerbate symptoms of IBS, like a diet high in FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols). Limiting your intake of these foods can improve your symptoms.
First, Dr. Asgeri reviews your symptoms and medical history and performs a physical exam. Then, he may ask you questions about the onset, frequency, and duration of your symptoms.
Most cases of IBS don’t require further testing, but if Dr. Asgeri wants to rule out another health problem in your digestive tract, he may suggest one or more of the following tests:
Once Dr. Asgeri diagnoses IBS, he works with you to create a personalized treatment plan to manage your symptoms and prevent future issues. Treatment varies from person to person, but it may include:
If IBS keeps you from work or enjoying life, call Oasis Advanced Gastroenterology or book an appointment online today.
