Psssst! It’s time to get a little personal. Can we talk about No. 2?
Everyone experiences issues with “going” from time to time. Whether it’s an uncomfortable bout of constipation or you’re running to the nearest facility because of severe diarrhea, the symptoms can really get in the way of your day-to-day routine.
Most of the time, we chalk it up to a stomach bug, or something we ate that “didn’t agree with us.”
But, what if the symptoms become chronic? What if a few days of a bland diet and drinking plenty of water doesn’t help? What happens when going No. 2 becomes your No. 1 thought?
If you’re experiencing chronic gastrointestinal discomfort that lasts for more than a couple of weeks, it’s time to meet with your family doctor or healthcare provider who can help determine if you are dealing with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or a more serious gastroenterology condition that requires long term management – categorized as an IBD or Irritable Bowel Disease.
In fact, Faith Community Health System Chief Medical Officer Shawn White, MD, says, when it comes to abdominal discomfort, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
“Everybody knows what pain feels like to themselves. If you are experiencing pain that is more than what you would describe as discomfort, it’s best to see your provider and rule out conditions that are more serious than general gastroenteritis,” Dr. White said.
Gastroenteritis usually works itself out in 36 hours. If you have a sustained fever, blood or pus in your stool, make an appointment with your doctor!
“Trust your gut, if you feel like the pain you are experiencing is worth getting checked out–don’t wait,” Dr. White advised.
When is your bathroom issue something more serious?
There are several reasons you might be suffering from IBS. The good news is that there are treatments for this condition.
On the other hand, inflammatory bowel disease – an umbrella term used for any of the disorders of the gastrointestinal tract that cause prolonged inflammation, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis – are quite debilitating and have no cure.
The tricky part is that symptoms of IBS, which can include abdominal pain and discomfort, chronic diarrhea, constipation and bloating, are also symptoms of the more serious contender IBD.
“Another reason it’s very important to get yourself checked out is that while you may be suffering with something that has an easy fix such as lactose intolerance, it could be more dire such as colon cancer,” Dr. White said. “A visit with your family doctor and a referral to a gastroenterology specialist can get to the bottom of your issue.”
IBS – Causes for Abdominal Distress and Treatments
• INFECTION: About 10% of IBS cases arise after a bout with gastroenteritis. Many refer to this as a “stomach bug.”
The suffix “-itis,” in medical terms, means inflammation. Any infection or simple food poisoning can cause inflammatory response along the digestive tract. The result is IBS.
Treatment – Often, IBS symptoms that develop after infection can be treated with a high-quality probiotic, which helps to bring the GI flora back to normal. Your doctor will be in the best position to advise you on how to proceed.
• FOOD SENSITIVITIES: Have you looked at a label on a can, bottle or box of food recently? Can you pronounce any of the ingredients? Eating ultra processed foods can lead to IBS symptoms.
Treatment – You may have heard of the low FODMAP diet. It eliminates foods that some people find difficult to digest, and promotes unprocessed foods such as vegetables and fish. If you have chronic IBS, talk to your doctor about trying out a modified diet to see if you can find out what’s causing your discomfort. It could be as easy as eliminating some things from your diet!
• GENETICS: Did you know that you are up to twice or three times more likely to develop IBS if you have a family history of the disease?
Treatment – Again, talk with your doctor about your genetics. There are medications you can take to keep IBS symptoms at bay.
The good news is that whatever the cause of your symptoms, IBS is generally treatable. “Don’t hesitate to visit with your healthcare provider to talk about your symptoms and possible dietary changes, behavioral therapies and medications that can help you feel better,” said Dr. White. “Don’t suffer in silence.”