Irritable Bowel Syndrome Specialist

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects 10-15% of the worldwide population, making it the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder. At Cure Allergy Clinic in Arlington, Texas, Dr. M. Waseem Imam, DO, regularly works with patients to diagnose and treat IBS. Among IBS patients, 25% have severe IBS, 35% moderate IBS, and 40% mild IBS.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Q & A

What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

IBS is a gastrointestinal disease that’s characterized by two primary symptoms: abdominal pain and changes in your bowel habits. IBS may cause constipation, diarrhea, or both.

Though abdominal pain may vary among those who have IBS, patients often describe it as a dull, constant ache punctuated by episodes of sharp pain. Pain related to IBS usually affects your lower abdomen and improves after a bowel movement.

What other symptoms can irritable bowel syndrome cause?

In addition to diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain, you may also experience symptoms such as:

• Bad breath
• Fatigue
• Frequent urination
• Headaches
• Heartburn
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle pain

Many patients with IBS experience periods of remission between flareups. IBS flareups may be triggered by certain foods, alcohol, stress, allergies, and hormonal changes.

How is irritable bowel syndrome diagnosed?

IBS is primarily identified by its symptoms because there aren’t any diagnostic tests that can specifically test for the condition. At Cure Allergy Clinic your provider evaluates your symptoms, performs an exam, and orders diagnostic testing to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms.

When you come into Cure Allergy Clinic, you may be tested for celiac disease, lactose intolerance, or other food-related or environmental allergies that can cause or worsen your symptoms.

How do you treat irritable bowel syndrome?

The doctors at Cure Allergy Clinic understand that IBS can have a significant impact on your quality of life. They work together with you to develop a treatment plan that includes:

Dietary changes

Most patients affected by IBS find that their symptoms typically improve when they make changes like increasing fiber consumption or following a special diet. Your provider also helps you identify underlying food or environmental allergies that may trigger your flareups, and develops a plan to help you avoid them.

Medications

Your physician may prescribe medication that addresses your symptoms. If all other treatment options fail, some patients may be good candidates for medications that treat severe diarrhea, decrease bacterial overgrowth, and relieve constipation. However, these medications can also produce side effects, so they’re not recommended for everyone with IBS.