Gastroenterology Insights on IBS: Symptoms, Triggers, and Testing

Gastroenterology Insights on IBS: Symptoms, Triggers, and Testing

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. However, its symptoms can mimic other issues, which is why many people don’t receive an accurate diagnosis. At Bergen Medical Associates, our board-certified gastroenterologists evaluate and treat digestive conditions at locations near you in northern New Jersey. Here, we break down what IBS is, how it differs from other conditions, its symptoms and triggers, and what the evaluation and treatment process looks like.

Key Takeaways

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. These symptoms often occur in cycles or flare-ups.
• Your diagnosis is based on your symptom patterns and ruling out other conditions.
• Treatment often includes dietary changes, medication, and ongoing GI support.
• Bergen Medical Associates can diagnose IBS and help develop a treatment plan that works for you and your triggers.

What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder. That means the digestive system looks normal on imaging or a scope, but it doesn’t function properly. The brain-gut connection is disrupted, causing the colon to respond abnormally when you eat, are stressed, or live an active life.

Because your colon looks normal on a scope, GI specialists assess your symptom patterns to diagnose IBS. They look at how your daily life affects your abdominal pain and other symptoms and rule out other conditions.

IBS vs. IBD

IBS is often confused with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, IBS and IBD are two separate conditions.

• IBS: There is no visible inflammation or structural damage to your intestines. Your symptoms are a result of how your gut moves.
• IBD: This disease includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC) and involves chronic inflammation and damage to the GI tract. It often causes blood in the stool, unintentional weight loss, and more severe symptoms.

If you have rectal bleeding, fever, or significant weight loss, you likely have IBD or another condition. One of our GI specialists at Bergen Medical Associates can evaluate your symptoms and help diagnose you with the right condition, so that you can be properly treated.

What Are Common IBS Symptoms?

IBS symptoms can vary from person to person. However, they tend to be recurring and tied to your bowel habits. The most common include:

• Abdominal pain or cramping, which is often relieved after a bowel movement
• Bloating and excess gas
• Diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between both
• Urgency or a sudden need to use the bathroom
• Feeling like a bowel movement is incomplete
• Mucus in the stool

Because these symptoms can mimic other conditions, it’s important to schedule an appointment with a GI specialist. Providers categorize IBS into three main subtypes: IBS-C, IBS-D, and IBS-M. IBS-C means you have chronic constipation, with IBS-D, you have chronic diarrhea, and with IBS-M, you cycle between the two. These symptoms often fluctuate. You may have flare-ups followed by periods when your symptoms improve.

What Can Trigger IBS?

IBS triggers are different for everyone. However, there are several common factors that can worsen or cause IBS symptoms:

• Diet: High-fat foods, dairy, gluten, carbonated drinks, alcohol, caffeine, and foods high in fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs) can all trigger flares.
• Stress and anxiety: The gut and brain communicate through the nervous system. Emotional stress can worsen IBS symptoms.
• Hormonal changes: Many women notice symptoms that flare around menstruation.
• Infections: Food poisoning or gastroenteritis can trigger IBS.
• Medications: Antibiotics and some pain relievers can disrupt your gut function and worsen symptoms.

Keeping a symptom diary can help you and your doctor identify patterns and narrow down what’s causing your symptoms. Additionally, your doctor will look at diet, lifestyle, stress levels, and the timing of your symptoms.

Testing: What Does a GI Specialist Check?

There is no single test that diagnoses IBS conclusively. Instead, your gastroenterologist builds a clinical picture based on your symptoms, history, and targeted testing to rule out other conditions. Testing may include:

• Bloodwork: A complete blood count (CBC), inflammatory markers, celiac antibodies, and thyroid function tests help exclude other conditions.
• Stool studies: Stool tests check for infection, inflammation, or blood that isn’t visible to the naked eye.
• Colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy: These are recommended when you have bleeding or significant weight loss, your doctor must rule out IBS, or you are the right age to screen for colon cancer.
• Imaging: Your doctor may request an abdominal ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scan to rule out gallbladder or structural issues.

At Bergen Medical Associates, we offer on-site diagnostic services, including colonoscopies and endoscopies. This helps us streamline the testing and diagnostic process, so you can start feeling better quickly.

When Should You See a GI Specialist at Bergen Medical Associates?

While occasional digestive discomfort is common, persistent GI symptoms require medical attention. Schedule an appointment with us if you have:

• Symptoms lasting several weeks
• Frequent abdominal pain
• Ongoing bloating
• Persistent diarrhea or constipation
• Changes in bowel habits

If you have rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, severe abdominal pain, or symptoms that wake you up, don’t wait. These symptoms can be a sign of a more serious condition.

Get Comprehensive GI Care Near You in New Jersey

If IBS symptoms are affecting your quality of life, Bergen Medical Associates can help. Our gastroenterologists can evaluate and diagnose your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our team. We have locations near you in Emerson, Montvale, Northvale, Paramus, and Ridgewood, NJ, making it easy to find treatment close to home.

Frequently Asked Questions About Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS )

Is IBS the same as IBD?

No. IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder, while IBD causes chronic inflammation and intestinal damage.

How is IBS diagnosed?

IBS is diagnosed through symptom patterns, medical history, physical examination, and testing to rule out other conditions.

Is there treatment for IBS?

Yes. Treatment for IBS often involves dietary changes, medication for constipation or diarrhea, or managing your stress.

Can IBS cause rectal bleeding?

No. IBS does not typically cause rectal bleeding. If you notice blood in your stool or bleeding from the rectum, schedule an appointment with a GI specialist so we can evaluate your symptoms and rule out conditions such as IBD, infection, hemorrhoids, or colorectal cancer.

Can stress make IBS worse?

Yes. Stress and anxiety can worsen IBS symptoms because the brain and gut are closely connected. Managing stress may be an important part of your treatment plan, along with dietary changes and other therapies.

Do I need a colonoscopy for IBS symptoms?

Not everyone with IBS symptoms needs a colonoscopy. However, we may recommend one if you have warning signs such as rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, severe abdominal pain, symptoms that wake you up, or if you are due for colorectal cancer screening. Bergen Medical Associates offers colonoscopy and other diagnostic services to help evaluate digestive symptoms.