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Dr. Gloria Mendizabal-Piedra MD

(305) 823-2433

3986 W. 16 Avenue | Hialeah, FL 33012

Your Guide to IBS Signs, Symptoms, and Treatments

ibs signs and symptoms

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, commonly referred to as IBS, is a serious condition that affects the bowels. When symptoms are at their worst, IBS can cause severe pain for those who suffer from it. While the symptoms of IBS are not recognized by many people, the condition is estimated to affect 10 percent to 15 percent of the population. The condition is more commonly found in people under the age of 50. 

Furthermore, while both men and women are affected by IBS, women affected by the disease outnumber men by almost two to one. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) refers to IBS as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and defines it as “conditions characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.” Let’s get a better understanding of this condition with a review of IBS Signs and symptoms and current-day IBS treatments.

What Are the Signs of IBS? 

The most common initial signs of IBS include abdominal pain, which is associated with bloating or cramping. IBS pain is usually accompanied by constipation or diarrhea. While this is the norm for those who suffer from IBS, many IBS patients do experience short periods of time when IBS symptoms decrease or temporarily disappear.         

Many sufferers from IBS have found that eating certain foods may trigger or worsen their symptoms. While these trigger foods vary from person to person, common foods to avoid for IBS sufferers usually include:

  • Gas producing foods
  • Lactose 
  • Stimulants (such as caffeine) 

IBS sufferers also have difficulty sleeping due to abdominal pain, and as a result, frequently suffer from fatigue. Finally, whether IBS symptoms are a result of stress or whether stress results from dealing with IBS, there is a link between IBS, anxiety, and depression.  

IBS Signs and Symptoms

Some or all the symptoms described above may lead to an IBS diagnosis for a patient. The faster the correct diagnosis, the quicker a treatment plan can be developed and implemented for the patient. People who have symptoms should make an appointment with their doctor. GMP Medical has a team of over a dozen medical professionals who stand ready to assist you with the diagnosis and treatment for your medical condition.  

IBS Treatments

While IBS is a painful chronic condition, a quick diagnosis of the condition will allow you to begin steps to alleviate the suffering and control the symptoms. Lifestyle changes for IBS sufferers may include: 

  • An increase in water intake 
  • Decreasing caffeine 
  • Drinking less alcohol  
  • Exercising on a regular basis 

GMB Medical is Here for All Your Signs and Symptoms

GMP Medical has been at the same Hialeah location for over 26 years, accepts all insurance, and offers many in house services, such as allergy testing, lab/blood work, and Intravenous IV) nutritional therapy. Contact us at (305) 823-2433 to schedule an appointment.

July 18, 2019 11:15 am
Categories: Diet, Family Health