Irritable bowel syndrome [IBS] is sometimes called the syndrome of elimination. When all else fails, and all the tests come back inconclusive, then it must be IBS.
IBS is one of the most frustrating issues to manage. Inflammation of the colon can come in many different forms. Some people have intense “flare-ups” for a while with periods of remission that can last from months to years. There are others who suffer from constant inflammation.
There Are Different Types of Irritable Bowel Syndrom
IBS-C
IBS-C is the type that causes constipation. Everything is dry in the colon. There is no rhyme or reason why the colon doesn’t want to move. The colon is hardly up for working in this case. You’ll see symptoms such as:
- Pain
- Nausea
- Stomach infections
- Lack of appetite
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Fatigue from trying to go to the bathroom with nothing coming out.
IBS-D
IBS-D is the diarrhea type. The colon is overactive and doesn’t know when to stop. Sometimes this condition can be due to overgrowth of foreign bacteria in the gut. The good gut flora is little to non-existent in some of these cases. Other possible explanations could be that the inflammation is so severe that the colon tries to dump whatever is in there and doesn’t want to have anything to do with whatever is passing through. Symptoms surrounding IBS-D can include:
- Unpleasant gas
- Bloating
- Anxiety - from having to rush to the bathroom every 4-5 minutes
- Depression - due to planning your day around bathrooms and a limited diet
IBS-B
IBS-B alternates between constipation and diarrhea. With this type, there are good days and bad days. There is less anxiety or depression but when the colon decides to “flare up” it may last from hours to days.
Treatments For IBS
When treating IBS, Dr. Burns first goal is to understand your triggers and sensitivities. Sometimes IBS is due to an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine, which we can test. Other patients may be experiencing food allergies or hormone issues which trigger their IBS.
Once we understand the root causes of your IBS, we can begin to treat it holistically. Some of the treatment options we typically use are:
- Dietary changes
- Reducing stress and anxiety
- Supplements - to help restore the intestinal lining
- Herbs - that reduce inflammation among
Schedule an Appointment
If you are suffering from irritable bowel syndrome and need help, Dr Burns has helped numerous patients understand and work out a path to manage IBS. Schedule an appointment today.