Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Anyone can get IBS, but you are more likely to have IBS if you:

• Are under 45
• Are female
• Have a family history
• Have been diagnosed with
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Personality disorder

• Gas
• Pain
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Mucus in the stool
• Constipation
• Diarrhea

Treatment for IBS is focused on controlling symptoms so that patients can live a normal life.  Drugs can be prescribed to control gas, diarrhea and painful spasms. Patients may also benefit from an antidepressant to cope with depression. Many patients are able to control their IBS symptoms by making changes in their diet by identifying and eliminating foods that trigger symptoms such as gluten, high fat foods and certain carbohydrates. Also many patients benefit from seeing a counselor who can help identify certain situations that trigger IBS symptoms.