According to an estimate, approximately 10% to 15% of Americans live with inflammatory bowel syndrome – a large intestine problem resulting in uncomfortable intestinal symptoms, such as gas, bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea or constipation.
Also known as functional GI disorder, IBS has three types depending on the abnormal bowel movement you experience – constipation-predominant, diarrhea-predominant or mixed.
Let’s learn more about IBS, its causes and medications, and where you can go in Westlake, OH, for outstanding IBS treatment.
Causes of Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome
IBS is a problem with no known cause. However, research has found certain factors that can contribute to it. Some of these are:
- Intestinal Muscle Contraction. The muscles that line the intestinal wall contract as the food moves through the digestive tract. When these contractions last longer than normal, you develop gas, bloating, and diarrhea. On the other hand, when the contractions aren’t strong enough, the passage of food becomes slow, resulting in the dry and hard stool.
- Nervous System. The miscommunication between the brain and intestine (due to abnormality in the gut nerves) can cause your body to overreact to the normal digestive tract changes and result in pain, constipation, or diarrhea.
- Severe Infection. Infections like gastroenteritis (severe diarrhea caused by virus or bacteria) and bacterial overgrowth in the intestine can also result in IBS.
- Changes in Gut Microbes. Normal flora of the gut (consists of viruses, bacteria, and fungi) plays an important role in gut health. According to recent research, any changes in the gut flora may also be linked to IBS
- Stress, especially that you experience in your childhood, can also result in IBS.
Medications for the Treatment of IBS
The main focus of IBS treatment is to relieve the symptoms of IBS. IBS symptoms can get better with dietary modifications, supplements, and medications. Let’s talk about the medications approved for IBS treatment.
- Eluxadoline (Viberzi). This medication relieves diarrhea associated with IBS by increasing rectum muscle tone and reducing muscle contractions and fluid secretion in the intestine. You can experience mild constipation, nausea, and abdominal pain as side effects of eluxadoline.
- Alosetron (Lotronex). Alosetron is prescribed in severe cases of diarrhea-predominant IBS that doesn’t respond to other treatments. The drug relaxes the large intestine (colon) and slows the movement of waste through it. Alosetron is approved to be used in women only.
- Lubiprostone (Amitiza). This medication is approved for use in women suffering from constipation-predominant IBS. Lubiprostone help ease diarrhea by increasing the fluid secretions in the large intestine.
- Linaclotide (Linzess). This medication help patient who suffers from IBS-associated diarrhea as it increases fluid secretions in the small intestine and helps stool pass easily. Since the drug can cause diarrhea; it’s advised to take it 30 to 60 minutes before your meal.
- Rifaximin (Xifaxan). Rifaximin help patient suffering from diarrhea-predominant IBS. It also decreases the surplus of bacteria in the intestines.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment in Westlake, OH
Having IBS can disrupt your life. So, it’s in the best of your interest to seek treatment so that you can live a better life. At North Shore Gastroenterology, our GI doctors are highly experienced in treating a full spectrum of GIT problems, including inflammatory bowel syndrome. They offer the most effective and individualized treatment plan to put you on the path to health and wellness.
If you would like to know more about IBS from our gastroenterologist, schedule an appointment today by calling us at (440) 808-1212 or fill out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to serving you!