IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME

IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder. It is also known as spastic colon and mucus colitis, and as many as 1 in 5 Americans may have symptoms of IBS.  In IBS the rhythmic muscular contraction of the digestive tract become irregular.  This can interfere with the normal movement of food and waste material which leads to the accumulation of mucus and toxins in the gastrointestinal tract.  The accumulation can create a partial obstruction which in turn may result in the symptoms characteristic of IBS. 

The symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain, bloating, headache, constipation, diarrhea, food intolerance, nausea, and mucus in the stool.  Malnutrition can result from avoidance of reactive foods or from malabsorption. Other diseases can be related to IBS. These can include, candidiasis, diabetes mellitus, pancreatic insufficiency, peripheral arthritis, skin disorders, and parasitic infections, amebiasis, and giardiasis.

Several causes of this syndrome have been investigated. gluten sensitivity, stress, diet, irregularities in intestinal hormones which are responsible for motility, food allergies or intolerances, overuse of antibiotics, antacids or laxatives, and an intestinal virus or bacteria may be responsible for symptoms of gastrointestinal distress.  More serious causes for intestinal symptoms such as cancer, tumors, Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, and ulcerative colitis must be investigated in any evaluation for IBS.

Johnson Medical Associates is an innovative medical facility, which takes a comprehensive approach to Irritable Bowel Syndrome. 

Diagnostic evaluation can include:

1.    Initial history and physical

2.    Colonoscopy, barium enema, abdominal sonogram or evaluation of liver, gallbladder, pancreases if results of these are unavailable

3.    Environmental history

4.    Nutritional and dietary analysis

5.    Laboratory tests: stool analysis for fungus, bacteria, ova, parasites, amoeba, giardia, vitamin, mineral, amino acid analysis, Labscan, CBC, celiac disease, digestive enzymes, ANA (antinuclear antibodies), intestinal peptides

6.    Skin testing for food sensitivities         

Treatment may include:

1. Dietary manipulation with food rotation and food elimination

2. Nutritional supplements to heal or protect the intestinal lining, to balance intestinal flora

3. Medications to treat any intestinal disease process

4. Enzymes or peptides to address any deficiencies

5. Stress management or biofeedback

6. Food antigen therapy if required

For additional information on other conditions click here.