Irritable Bowel Syndrome can be very disruptive to your life. If the symptoms can be managed, it can greatly improve the quality of life. At Digestive Medicine Associate our team of gastroenterologists diagnose and treat IBS in Hialeah, Coral Gables, Kendall, Pembroke Pines, FL.

What Is IBS?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a series of symptoms that may occur individually or together and cause pain in the abdomen and changes in bowel habits. IBS is a functional form of gastritis where the brain and the gut are not working together. It can result in a sensitivity in your gut that leads to cramping, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. Women are twice as likely to develop IBS and having a family history of the disease can also put you at higher risk. 

Causes of IBS

IBS doesn't have one definitive cause. It can be aggravated by stress in your life or by another gastrointestinal condition. It may be that the food you eat moves too quickly or too slowly through your system. A change in the bacterial makeup of the intestines can be a factor. If you are suffering from depression or anxiety or a bacterial infection in the digestive tract, this can be part of the problem as well. Having food allergies or intolerances may also contribute to aggravating the situation. 

Managing Your Symptoms

In the same way that IBS has more than one potential cause, finding a way to manage your symptoms will most likely require a combination of things and a trial-and-error approach. 

Changes in your diet such as adding more soluble fiber like beans, fruit, and oat products any be helpful. Add it a little at a time so that you don't make the situation worse. Avoid gluten if you notice that you have more symptoms when you include it in your diet. This can help with IBS in Hialeah, Coral Gables, Kendall, Pembroke Pines, FL.

Taking probiotics can help to improve the environment in your gut. This is best done with the recommendation of your doctor and under their guidance. 

Medication is able to help with some of the symptoms. Depending on whether you have bloating or gas, pain, spasms, constipation, or diarrhea, medication may be able to improve the quality of your life. 

If your life is too stressful, you may need to make some lifestyle changes to reduce the stress. Exercise and yoga may be tools that you can use to help get your IBS under control.

If you are suffering from IBS, in Hialeah, Coral Gables, Kendall, Pembroke Pines, FL, give our team of gastroenterologists at Digestive Medicine Associates a call at (305) 822-4107. Don't wait, call today.