Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is common and affects about 12% of people in the United States. If abdominal pain, cramping, gas, or other IBS symptoms negatively impact your life, board-certified gastroenterologist Samuel Cho, MD, can help. At his practice in Flushing, Queens, Dr. Cho offers simple IBS treatments to ease your symptoms so you can enjoy life to its fullest. Call the New York City office to learn more about irritable bowel syndrome treatments or schedule an appointment online today.
Irritable bowel syndrome, also known as IBS, is a gastrointestinal condition that affects your large intestine.
It affects about two times as many women as men and is common in people younger than 45 years old. The cause of IBS isn’t entirely clear, but with proper treatment, you can manage your symptoms.
Irritable bowel syndrome is often characterized by the following signs and symptoms:
IBS symptoms may worsen in stressful situations or after consuming certain foods and drinks.
Though the exact cause of irritable bowel syndrome is unknown, certain factors may play a role in its development. Examples include nervous system abnormalities, strong intestinal muscle contractions, intestinal inflammation, infections, and changes in gut bacteria.
Your risk of developing irritable bowel syndrome increases if you:
Triggers for irritable bowel syndrome may include stress, depression, anxiety, hormone changes – and eating dairy foods, wheat products, beans, cabbage, carbonated drinks, or citrus fruits.
At your appointment, Dr. Cho reviews your symptoms and medical history to determine if you have IBS. He may complete an exam or specific tests, such as gluten intolerance tests, to rule out underlying medical conditions.
Your personalized irritable bowel syndrome treatment plan might include:
Certain medications help relax your colon, reduce intestinal muscle contractions, decrease bacterial overgrowth, or increase intestinal fluid secretion to reduce IBS symptoms.
Dr. Cho and his team personalize your treatment plan based on the severity of symptoms and your IBS triggers.
Don’t suffer through irritable bowel syndrome symptoms if you don’t have to. Call Samuel Cho, MD, PC, to learn more about your treatment options, or schedule an appointment online today.