Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Specialist

Serving The Woodlands and Conroe, TX, and the surrounding areas

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) services offered in The Woodlands, Willis, Conroe, TX, and the surrounding areas

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the reason for up to 3.5 million physician visits every year in America. If you’re having symptoms of IBS, such as abdominal pain and bloating, experienced gastroenterologist Ilyas Memon, MD, can help at Texas Digestive Disease Consultants in The Woodlands, Magnolia, Conroe, and Willis, Texas. Call the office nearest to you or click the online scheduler for help now.

What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

IBS is a disorder that causes a number of uncomfortable symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating. While IBS doesn’t cause damage within your colon or other parts of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract, it’s an intensely difficult issue that requires customized medical care.

What are the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome?

IBS can cause:

Abdominal pain
Cramping
Bloating
Gas
Stool changes

Your exact symptoms depend on the type of IBS you have. IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D) causes loose, watery stool and may involve bowel urgency. IBS with constipation (IBS-C) causes the opposite issue: difficulty having bowel movements, which may include bowel urges that don’t actually produce stools.

IBS with mixed symptoms (IBS-M) involves both constipation and diarrhea at varying times.

What causes irritable bowel syndrome?

The exact cause of IBS remains a mystery. Experts believe that some of the involved factors may include a problem with muscle contractions in your gut, high-level nerve sensitivity in the GI tract, and issues with the brain-gut nerve connections.

With most people, several factors play a role in the development of IBS. Risk factors that increase your chances of developing IBS include taking antibiotics that change your gut balance, hormone changes, elevated stress levels, and a diet high in foods containing hard-to-digest carbohydrates.

How is irritable bowel syndrome diagnosed?

At Texas Digestive Disease Consultants, Dr. Memon reviews your symptoms in detail. It’s helpful if you use a symptom tracker in the days and weeks leading up to your appointment so you can give him as much information as possible.

Dr. Memon performs a light exam of your abdomen and reviews your medical history and your family’s. He may recommend blood or stool tests as well.

Based on your testing, Dr. Memon may advise giving you more advanced tests like an endoscopy (upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, or another test).

How is irritable bowel syndrome treated?

Treatment of IBS often involves natural, holistic approaches. Dr. Memon may recommend specific diet changes to avoid trigger foods, along with stress management techniques, exercising, and lifestyle changes.

In some cases, you might need medication to manage diarrhea, constipation, or other symptoms of IBS. People with particularly severe abdominal pain often get significant relief with antidepressants.

You don’t have to live with IBS symptoms. Texas Digestive Disease Consultants offers effective relief using gentle, natural approaches, so call the office nearest to you or click on the provided link for help now.