Irritable Bowel Syndrome / IBS
Patient Education

Doctors Who Treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Patient Education

As your irritable bowel syndrome IBS is diagnosed, treated and managed, you may encounter the following team of doctors and specialists.

• General Practitioners - The first line of defense in IBS. These doctors deal with prevention, discovery and treatment of illnesses in all age categories
• Internist - Focuses on diagnosis, treatment and prevention of adult illness.
• Gastroenterologist - Doctor who specializes in diagnosis and treatment of digestive system diseases.
• Psychologist - Specializes in mood and emotional disorders. This therapist offers counseling and alternative therapy like hypnosis and biofeedback to diminish the frequency of IBS attacks.
• Nutritionist/Dietician - Devises meal plans that avoid food sensitivities responsible for an increase in IB attacks and which foods are helpful in decreasing the occurrence.

How to Prepare for Your Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Doctor Visit

Having made your appointment with a healthcare provider, there are certain actions that you need to take in order to maximize the benefit of your doctor visit for irritable bowel syndrome or IBS

• Bring a diary of frequency and severity of bowel symptoms as well as anything that seems to bring them on.
• Bring a list of all medications including vitamins and herbs as well as a complete past medical history, list of allergies and family history.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS

From your initial diagnosis throughout your treatment and care, you will have questions about your irritable bowel syndrome. Our patient education guide lists questions for you and your doctor to discuss so you can make informed decisions about your condition.

Question About My Diagnosis

• Does IBS lead to colon cancer?
• Is IBS associated with other medical conditions?
• Are there triggers that cause IBS flare-ups?
• How do I determine the triggers?
• Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome curable?

Questions About My Treatment

• Will I need surgery eventually?
• Are there medications that prevent a flare-up?
• Will I need to take medications chronically?
• What are the side effects of the treatment?
• Are there nonprescription or herbal treatments for IBS?
• Should I take or avoid laxatives?

Questions About My Lifestyle & Family

• Is IBS genetic?
• What diet and exercise do you advise? Are there foods I should avoid?
• Does stress cause IBS? Smoking? Do alcoholic beverages cause IBS flare-ups?
• Are there complementary therapies available for IBS?

Common Tests or Labs to Diagnose Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

There are no definitive tests for Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS.

The standard questionnaire in history taking involves the Rome III Criteria. These criteria involve at least 3 days/month of symptoms and breaks down the frequency and intensity of:

• Recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort
• Functional (ongoing) bloating
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Unknown disorder symptoms

In patients over the age of 50 who are developing symptoms for the first time, patient education is important. It is prudent to rule out any other medical causes by undergoing the following tests.

Common Medications and Treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

There are several steps you can take in diet and lifestyle changes to alter and improve the frequency and intensity of symptomatic attacks of irritable bowel syndrome or IBS.

Alternative therapies to reduce the stress include biofeedback, yoga, deep-breathing exercises, imagery therapy, counseling and Tai Chi.

If these methods are not effective for you, more traditional medications are available to make you more comfortable. While there is no one "magic pill" to relieve IBS chronically, there are treatments to control the symptoms that interfere with every day life like diarrhea, constipation and intense pain. Read more in this patient education guide.