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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Specialist

Jay P. Diliberto, MD

Gastroenterologist located in Huntington Beach, CA

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects as many as 45 million Americans, and it’s the most common condition diagnosed by gastroenterologists today. At his Huntington Beach, California, office, board-certified gastroenterologist Jay P. Diliberto, MD, can diagnose your IBS and effectively treat the condition to end your abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and other issues. Call the office of Jay P. Diliberto, MD Inc. or use the online booking tool to make your appointment today.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Q&A

What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

IBS is a motility disorder that affects your large intestine. It can cause intense abdominal discomfort or pain, diarrhea, constipation, cramping, bloating, and other disruptive symptoms. 

IBS is a functional disorder, which means it occurs when your gut typically looks normal but isn't working normally. In contrast, structural disorders like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, colorectal cancer, and hemorrhoids feature abnormalities that can be seen. 

Although functional disorders aren't as serious as structural disorders, IBS can still cause extreme discomfort and have a negative effect on all aspects of your life if untreated. 

What are the symptoms of IBS?

Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms vary with the type of IBS you have. 

IBS-D

With IBS-D, you frequently experience loose stools or diarrhea. Cramps, abdominal pain, and frequent bowel urgency are common with IBS-D. 

IBS-C

With IBS-C, you frequently have constipation. You commonly feel the urge to have a bowel movement but aren’t able to have one, or your BM’s are incomplete. Bowel movements can be hard, lumpy, and fragmented.

What causes IBS?

The definitive cause of IBS is uncertain. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, IBS is probably related to chemical signaling problems between the brain and the gut. It may also occur because of gut bacteria imbalance following a bowel infection. 

Other theories about IBS hold that it may be the result of an increased sensitivity of gastrointestinal (GI) tract nerves or muscle contraction problems in your GI tract. Factors like stress and certain foods may worsen symptoms. 

How is IBS treated?

IBS treatment usually starts with lifestyle changes. Dr. Diliberto may recommend keeping a food diary to keep track of the foods that trigger your symptoms. A low-FODMAP diet, which minimizes your intake of gas-producing foods, helps many people with the bloating associated with IBS. 

Dr. Diliberto may also recommend increasing your dietary fiber. He can also prescribe medication to manage symptoms not controlled by lifestyle changes and over-the-counter remedies.

IBS treatment is different for every person, and Dr. Diliberto can personalize a plan that works for your symptoms. 

You don't have to struggle through bouts of miserable IBS symptoms any longer. Call Jay P. Diliberto, MD Inc., or book an appointment using the provided scheduling link now.