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Lakewood, NJ --- We’ve all experienced
the occasional bout of stomach upset. Luckily, for most of us,
these types of experiences are few and far between. For people
who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) however, gastrointestinal
upset can become a way of life.
IBS affects nearly 45 million Americans – roughly 15 percent
of the population, according to Sanjay Bhagat, MD, a gastroenterologist
on staff at Kimball Medical Center. There are no medical tests
used to diagnose IBS, therefore, doctors need to know all of their
patient's symptoms in order to make a definitive diagnosis.
“Patients will need to have a colonoscopy so that we can
rule out other conditions, including colon cancer and inflammatory
bowel disease,” explains Dr. Bhagat. Once other conditions
have been ruled out, doctors look for specific criteria to diagnose
Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
“A diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome can be made using
the criteria which includes abdominal cramping that eases when
a person moves their bowels or is associated with diarrhea or constipation,” he
explains.
IBS is chronic, debilitating and very common, according to Dr.
Bhagat. “It is twice as likely to affect women than men,
and is generally more common in younger women,” he notes.
Although the exact cause of IBS is unknown, its symptoms result
from an abnormal connection between the brain and the intestines,
according to Dr. Bhagat. “This connection causes the brain
to sense normal amounts of air and gas in the colon as painful – something
known as visceral hypersensitivity.”
Treatment often includes a combination of prescription and over-the-counter
medications to control the symptoms and soothe the colon.
Stress can exacerbate the symptoms of IBS, as can certain foods
in our diet. Working to reduce the stress in our lives, increasing
physical activity and avoiding trigger foods, according to Dr.
Bhagat, can offer some measure of relief for patients. Common IBS
trigger foods can include red meats, dairy products, foods that
are high in fats, particularly fried foods, egg yolks, caffeine
and alcohol.
While IBS is fairly common, many people remain undiagnosed. According
to a nationwide survey conducted by the International Foundation
for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD), a nonprofit
education and research organization, patients with IBS often live
for years with this condition, see numerous doctors and specialists,
and take countless over-the-counter and prescription medications
in an attempt to quell its symptoms.
While there is no cure for IBS, there are many treatments that
can improve and help manage the symptoms. “Controlling this
disorder starts with a proper diagnosis, educating yourself about
IBS and working with your doctor to find treatment approaches that
are best for you,“ says Dr. Bhagat. “I encourage
people to be aggressive about their treatment and to follow-up
regularly with their gastroenterologist, because there is help
available.”
To contact or schedule an appointment with Dr. Bhagat or another
gastroenterologist affiliated with Kimball Medical Center, please
call the Saint Barnabas Health Care Link at 1-888-SBHS-123
(888-724-7123).
Date: March 31, 2009
CONTACT: Carrie Cristello
Director, Public Relations
732-923-6552
ccristello@sbhcs.com
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