Most gastrointestinal symptoms will resolve on their own. For some people, these symptoms do not resolve and may become severe. If you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), your quality of life may be affected by your symptoms.
IBS occurs when the nerves in the gut are unusually sensitive and react more strongly to everyday events like eating a meal or feeling stressed. These hyper-sensitive nerves respond too often and too quickly, resulting in digestive issues. Symptoms can include discomfort, bloating, diarrhea, and other digestive problems. These can cause pain and limit your activities.
For about 10% of people, IBS will go away over time. For most people, IBS is a chronic condition. Symptoms may get better and worse depending on your stress levels or other factors, but they will not resolve completely. IBS is not a life-threatening condition, but it can significantly impact the quality of life. Careful management can help you minimize the impact of IBS and let you enjoy your favorite activities more.
Managing IBS often requires a commitment to following a plan you develop with your doctor. Each person will respond differently to IBS treatment. Your plan may have to be adjusted, so you should have regular visits with a specialist. At Cochise Oncology, our gastroenterologist will work with you to manage your IBS. Methods for managing IBS include:
Learning your triggers that make symptoms worse can help you avoid them. This will also help your gastroenterologist develop a medication plan and other recommendations. Each person will have different triggers. For many people, stress can trigger worsening symptoms. When you become more aware of triggers, you can manage or avoid them.
Several types of medications have become available to treat the various symptoms of IBS. They may not work for everyone, but they may help you get more control of your condition. Your gastroenterologist will work with you to find the right medication options.
If you find that certain foods cause discomfort, you may need to limit or eliminate them from your diet. Not everyone with IBS has specific food triggers. Other factors that can relate to your diet include the size and frequency of your meals.
Many people find that stress is a major trigger for IBS symptoms. Chronic stress can lead to severe symptoms. Stress management can include relaxation methods and a plan for removing some of the stress from your life. Meditation may help you manage stress, but you have many other options.
Do you have questions about IBS? Reach out to Cochise Oncology at (520) 803-6644 or fill out the consultation form on this page.
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