If you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in Ventura, CA, you know how disruptive it can be to your life. Help is available at Island View Gastroenterology Associates with offices in Ventura and Oxnard, CA. Our team of gastroenterologists can help to find the best way to treat your particular symptoms.
Symptoms of IBS
Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition of the colon. It is a chronic condition and the symptoms can change over time with some being more prominent than others on any given day, week, or month. To say it's unpredictable is an understatement. The most common symptom is abdominal pain and this can be related to a bowel movement or lack of one. Among the usual symptoms are diarrhea, constipation and sometimes a combination of both. You may also suffer from bloating or have a feeling as if you haven't completed a bowel movement. The good news is that while IBS can be painful, it doesn't damage your colon.
Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome/IBS
One thing doesn't cause IBS, and for many people, no one cause can be nailed down, but research has shown that people with IBS have things in common. It has as much to do with the brain as the gut and the way that they interact. Food may be digested too quickly or too slowly. Food sensitivity or intolerance can be a factor. Experts believe that having been abused either physically or sexually early in life can play a role in the development of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome /IBS
There is help for Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Ventura, CA. It starts with lifestyle changes, watching what you eat and what triggers symptoms. Your doctor may suggest adding more fiber or avoiding gluten. If things improve, then you have nailed it. Making sure you get enough sleep, increasing your physical activity and decreasing your stress are also things that can improve your quality of life.
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your doctor may recommend medication to help with diarrhea or constipation. Medicine for abdominal pain can also make you feel better. Probiotics can assist with the bacteria in your gut. Discuss the amount to use with your gastroenterologist. Relaxation therapy helps with symptoms if stress is a major factor in your particular situation.
For a treatment plan for Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Ventura, CA, contact Island View Gastroenterology Associates with offices in Ventura and Oxnard, CA. Give our offices a call in Ventura at (805) 641-6525 and Oxnard at (805) 973-1227 to make an appointment.