Question 1

how can i reduce my ibs symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Several things: Eat at regular times, do not skip meals, eat similar amounts and types of food at each sitting, maintain a high fiber diet and drink 80-100 ounce of non caffeinated/non alcoholic fluids daily. Taking a good pro-biotic such as florastor can also help.

Question 2

what foods may cause ibs symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Wide variety: Ibs  symptoms: abd pain, often diarrhea , alternating with constipation. 
Some are sensitive to carbohydrates in milk (lactose), fruit (fructose), other carbs in veggies like onions, artichokes, broccoli, grains, beans.  Some are sensitive to alcohol, temp of foods, i.e. Cold, chocolate, fat content, carbonated beverages.
Some are affected by menstrual cycle, stress, emotional triggers.

Question 3

does ibs symptoms happen all at once?

Accepted Answer

It can: Ibs can happen all at once but stays longer.

Question 4

do ibs symptoms include constant hunger?

Accepted Answer

Not generally: It could be a symptom but more likely it will be bloating and pain.

Question 5

ive had ibs symptoms for years now, and a year ago i was sent for tests to rule out other things, and they came back negative. a year on, could the same symptoms now be a cause of something more sinister?

Accepted Answer

IBS: It's not unusual that your IBS symptoms persist. If your workup was conducted by a gastroenterologist I would have complete confidence in your diagnosis and would undergo any repeat testing only if the specialist recommends it. Have you tried the fodmap diet which may help? If symptoms warrant it, there are prescription medications for either IBS with constipation or IBS with diarrhea

Question 6

what are other things to check for with ibs symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Everything else!: The GI tract has a very limited # of symptoms to signal its distress--nausea/vomiting, diarrhea/constipation, bloating, pain, fullness, bleeding, etc.  As you know, many of these characterize ibs, but are also seen with inflammatory, infectious, ischemic, malabsorptive, and functional disorders. Directed lab work, imaging, biopsies, stool studies are appropriate in excluding non-ibs pathology.

Question 7

is there a connection between the pill and ibs symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Depends on the pill: There is an association between hormones and pills and it has been seen in studies.
If you notice side effects after going on a certain pill then discuss with your physician other options to find one that works best and you are the most comfortable with. Best wishes!

Question 8

what can i take over-the-counter for persistent ibs symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Probiotics: Probiotics will restore normal bacteria in your colon and regulate your bowl movements and this helps in alleviating symptoms of ibs.

Question 9

had a clear colonoscopy 3 yrs ago now have  ibs symptoms do i need another colonoscopy?

Accepted Answer

Probably not: Alarm symptoms ?  Fever, bleeding, weight loss, anemia? History of polyp?  Colitis? Family history of colon cancer? Change in  bowels without good reason? See your doc	in any event.

Question 10

will my ibs symptoms worsen now that i'm pregnant?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: It gets worse for some women and better for others.

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Doctor answers about:

IBS symptoms

A member asked:

How can i reduce my ibs symptoms?

A member asked:

What foods may cause ibs symptoms?

A member asked:

Does ibs symptoms happen all at once?

A member asked:

Do ibs symptoms include constant hunger?

A member asked:

Ive had ibs symptoms for years now, and a year ago i was sent for tests to rule out other things, and they came back negative. a year on, could the same symptoms now be a cause of something more sinister?

A member asked:

What are other things to check for with ibs symptoms?

A member asked:

Is there a connection between the pill and ibs symptoms?

A member asked:

What can i take over-the-counter for persistent ibs symptoms?

A member asked:

Had a clear colonoscopy 3 yrs ago now have ibs symptoms do i need another colonoscopy?

A member asked:

Will my ibs symptoms worsen now that i'm pregnant?

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