Symptoms of IBS and Testing
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort and altered bowel habits like chronic or recurrent diarrhea, constipation, or a mixture of these habits. IBS currently affects between 25 to 45 million people in the United States and can affect people of all ages and genders. But what are the symptoms of IBS and how can Shakthi Health & Wellness Center help your condition?
Symptoms of IBS
There are four major symptoms of IBS: diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and gas and bloating. If you have one or more of these symptoms for a few months or more, you may have IBS. While every IBS sufferer wants to know what causes IBS, simply researching symptoms online will not explain the true cause of the condition. There are many different causes of IBS including:
- Small intestine bacterial overgrowth
- A lack of probiotics
- Gluten intolerance
- Inflammation in the digestive tract
- Post-infectious IBS
- Leaky gut syndrome
- Food allergies or sensitivities
- Lack of fiber
- Motility disorders, including gastroparesis
- Candida, a type of yeast and a common cause of fungal infections
- Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
IBS is a chronic disorder that should be treated over time. In order to be properly diagnosed, visit a doctor at Shakthi Health & Wellness Center for a comprehensive test and diagnosis.
Testing at Shakthi Health & Wellness Center
While every individual is different, an IBS diagnosis is often determined by looking at the patient’s medical history along with a physical exam. Some tests for IBS include blood tests, stool tests, sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, barium enema, anorectal manometry, and other miscellaneous tests that could diagnose other health problems like Crohn’s disease and a lactose intolerance. These tests can help determine how your IBS can the treated. With specialized testing by Shakthi, your IBS can be treated and managed.
With Shakthi Health & Wellness on your side, the symptoms of your irritable bowel syndrome can be treated and managed. For more information on talking to a doctor about your IBS, call us today!