Joseph Shelton, M.D., a gastroenterologist on the medical staff of Baylor All Saints Medical Center at Fort Worth answers frequently asked questions about Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a very common disorder characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits (diarrhea and/or constipation). About 10-15% of Americans have IBS. Most have mild symptoms and never seek medical attention for IBS. It is important to note that IBS is not a dangerous problem, in that it does not lead to cancer, intestinal damage, disability or death.
What causes Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
In most patients, the cause of IBS is unknown. Some people develop IBS after an intestinal infection, and this is called “post-infectious IBS”.
What are the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
IBS is defined as abdominal discomfort in the setting of altered bowel habits (diarrhea and/or constipation). If you do not have these symptoms, then you do not have IBS. Many people with IBS also notice abdominal bloating, gas, flatus and mucus in the stool. It is equally important to ask which symptoms are NOT related to IBS. If you are awakened from sleep by abdominal pain or diarrhea, you need to see your physician.
How is Irritable Bowel Syndrome diagnosed?
IBS is diagnosed by its characteristic symptoms. Because IBS is a common problem, most primary care physicians will be familiar with it. There is no test which can confirm IBS. All usual tests (CT scan, blood tests, stool tests, colonoscopy) will be normal in IBS. Depending on your exact symptoms, it may be important to have blood or stool testing to assess for other gastrointestinal illness. Also, colonoscopy is very important for everyone over age 50, because this is the best way to prevent colon cancer, a common cancer which affects 1 out of every 20 Americans.
What is the treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Dietary interventions can be very helpful. In particular, a lactose-free diet eliminates symptoms in many patients, because lactose intolerance is common and produces symptoms similar to IBS. Also, a low-FODMAP diet may be of help for many people with IBS. Fiber supplementation, regular exercise and getting adequate sleep can really help. If these measures fail to relieve symptoms, prescription medication is often the next step. Peppermint oil is available over-the-counter and seems to be effective in many patients with IBS.
About Baylor Health Care System
Baylor Health Care System is a not-for-profit, faith-based supporting organization providing services to a network of acute care hospitals and related health care entities that provide patient care, medical education, research and community service. Baylor recorded more than 2.8 million patient encounters, $4 billion in total operating revenue, $5.2 billion in total assets and $502 million in community benefit in fiscal year 2011 (as reported to the Texas Department of State Health Services). Baylor’s network of more than 300 access points includes 30 owned/operated/ ventured/affiliated hospitals; joint ventured ambulatory surgical centers; satellite outpatient locations; senior centers and more than 180 HealthTexas Provider Network physician clinics. For information visit BaylorHealth.com.
Physicians are members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Health Care System’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and are neither employees nor agents of those medical centers, Baylor All Saints Medical Center at Fort Worth or Baylor Health Care System.
Mary Johnson
817.922.7088
mary.johnson1@BaylorHealth.edu
About Baylor Scott & White Health
As the largest not-for-profit health system in the state of Texas, Baylor Scott & White is empowering customers to live well by reimagining traditional healthcare — creating more convenient, personalized and informed experiences. It serves more than three million customers through 53 hospitals, including flagship academic medical centers in Dallas, Fort Worth and Temple; the Baylor Scott & White Research Institute; 1,300+ access points; 59,000+ team members; and its leading digital platform — MyBSWHealth. The system's award-winning employer solutions include Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance and Levanto — a company offering digitally enabled health products. Founded as a Christian ministry of healing more than a century ago, Baylor Scott & White's mission is to promote the health and well-being of all individuals, families and communities. For more information, visit: BSWHealth.com
