IBS Symptoms and Why You May Need a Gastroenterologist for IBS

What are the symptoms of IBS?

The main symptoms of IBS are recurring abdominal pain or cramping, usually in the lower belly, that is related to bowel movements, along with a change in how often you go or what your stool looks like. Other common IBS symptoms include bloating, a swollen-feeling belly, gas, constipation, diarrhea or alternating between them, urgency, mucus in the stool and a feeling of incomplete emptying. Symptoms often come and go and may flare with stress or certain foods.

• Abdominal pain or cramping linked to bowel movements
• Bloating and a swollen-feeling belly
• Constipation, diarrhea, or both at different times
• Urgency or a feeling of incomplete emptying
• Mucus in the stool
• Symptoms that come and go over months

What do IBS symptoms feel like day to day?

Many people with IBS describe crampy lower belly pain that eases or changes after a bowel movement, bloating that builds through the day, and unpredictable bowel habits, such as several urgent loose stools one morning and days of constipation later in the week. Symptoms often worsen after meals, during stress or around menstrual periods, and can affect work, travel and social plans.

Why see a gastroenterologist for IBS?

A gastroenterologist can confirm that your symptoms fit IBS and rule out conditions that look similar, such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, microscopic colitis, bile acid diarrhea, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and colon cancer. They can then match treatment to your IBS type with diet strategies, prescription medicines, pelvic floor therapy when needed and gut-directed therapies, and adjust the plan over time.

When should I see a doctor for IBS symptoms?

See a doctor if IBS-like symptoms last more than a few weeks, keep coming back, or interfere with your life, and get prompt care for rectal bleeding, black stools, unexplained weight loss, anemia, fever, symptoms that wake you at night, or new symptoms after age 45. A family history of colon cancer, celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease is another reason to be evaluated.

What happens at an IBS appointment?

At an IBS appointment, Dr. Khan reviews your symptoms, bowel habits, diet, stress, medicines and family history, and examines you. Depending on your pattern, he may order blood tests, stool tests for inflammation and infection, celiac testing, breath tests, or a colonoscopy if warning signs are present or screening is due. You leave with a plan matched to your IBS type and a follow-up to fine-tune it.

Learn more about IBS care in Katy and Cypress, how to tell if you have IBS and IBS treatment options.

Key takeaways

• IBS symptoms center on recurring abdominal pain linked to bowel movements and changes in stool.
• Bloating, gas, urgency and alternating constipation and diarrhea are common.
• A gastroenterologist rules out look-alike conditions and tailors treatment to your IBS type.
• Bleeding, weight loss, anemia or night-time symptoms need prompt evaluation.
• A symptom diary speeds diagnosis and treatment.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

1. NIDDK — Irritable bowel syndrome
2. NIDDK — Symptoms and causes of IBS
3. MedlinePlus — Irritable bowel syndrome
4. American College of Gastroenterology — IBS
5. NIDDK — Celiac disease

Where to be seen in Katy and Cypress

United Gastroenterology Associates has two offices: Katy, at 23920 Katy Freeway, Suite 555, next to Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital, and Cypress, at 21216 Northwest Freeway, Suite 640, on US-290. Both are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, closed for lunch from 12:00 to 1:30 PM, and serve patients from Fulshear, Richmond and across Greater Houston. Call (346) 340-4414 for either office.

If you have severe pain, vomit blood, pass black stools or have chest pain, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.