IBS — Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is a common health condition that affects the large intestine and causes symptoms of gastrointestinal distress. While it is a chronic condition, for most people, symptoms are not severe and are manageable with diet and lifestyle changes. Unlike some other digestive health conditions, irritable bowel syndrome does not change the bowel tissues or increase the risk of colon cancer.

What causes irritable bowel syndrome?

While the exact cause of irritable bowel syndrome is unknown, there are some factors that seem to play a role. For example, nervous system abnormalities, muscle contractions in the intestine, severe infection, changes in the bacteria found in the gut, and early life stressors may contribute. Some people may find that foods like citrus fruits, dairy products, wheat, beans, cabbage, and carbonated drinks make symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome worse. Stress can also trigger symptoms.

What are the complications of irritable bowel syndrome?

The ongoing constipation and diarrhea that come with irritable bowel syndrome can sometimes cause hemorrhoids. Another potential complication is poor quality of life; for example, people with irritable bowel syndrome may miss a significant amount of work due to their symptoms. People who struggle with symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are also more likely to experience depression and anxiety.

How is irritable bowel syndrome treated?

Lifestyle changes can typically control mild symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. These may include getting enough sleep, engaging in regular exercise, consuming adequate amounts of fiber and liquids, and avoiding foods that seem to trigger symptoms. A doctor may recommend a special diet or medications that help to manage symptoms, such as fiber supplements, laxatives, or anti-diarrheal medications. Some people may take antidepressants or pain medications to cope with symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. There are also medications that are used specifically for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, such as Viberzi, which reduces muscle contractions in the intestine and can alleviate diarrhea, or Lotronex, which relaxes the colon. These medications can have serious side effects, and some may only be approved for use with women.

Common Symptoms

  • “I have significant stomach pain and cramping every time I have a bowel movement.”
  • “I often feel gassy and bloated, and sometimes I have mucus in my stool.”
  • “I suffer from bouts of diarrhea, especially when I eat certain foods, like dairy products.”

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20360016

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Ron H.
The people there are awesome, and they do a great job
Lisa L.
Such a pleasant group of nurses and doctors.
Rose R.
On time, listened to me, made sure I understood what was happening, had a clear understandable plan. I strongly recommend Dr. Donat.
Shawn S.
My first time going in and I must say staff was awesome 2 thumbs up made me fill comfortable just all around great "thank you"
Florence P.
Having the opportunity for a telemedicine appointment is so valuable! It saved me travel time, time away from work, gas, and hassle! Thank you for investing in the technology to make life better for your patients! Seeing Dr. Quallich face-to-face was reassuring and was the same as seeing him in person. We covered all the concerns that I had and have a good plan of action. I received a call before my appointment checking on all my meds and also received a text msg with a link for our appointment. Hats off to your entire team on orchestrating such a great and professional job! As always, Dr. Quallich, you are an awesome and caring doctor! Your compassion for your patients is comforting! Thank you!
Judith P.
Everyone was most friendly. helpful, and knowledgeable.
Ping X.
Active / Kind / Accurate
Patrick D.
From start to finish to fill up they are beyond superior of any facility I have been in in my lifetime. Kind, caring and professional thank you for such a positive experience.
Mark S.
Very good
Judy H.
Caring, efficient, professional staff.
Neil H.
Our whole family have been patients of the Center for many years and have enjoyed the service and attention we receive. The operation runs like a well-oiled machine and the doctors and nurses are extremely helpful in explaning our procedures and answering any questions we might have.
Brandon R.
Great staff, Dr. Willie is the best. He always takes the time to answer questions and provide a clear explanation to the procedure. Thank You
Tom F.
Dr. Sante Bologna, this guy is professional and personable, anesthesiologist, comforting, Informative front desk, staff, professional, and friendly to make me feel welcome and comfortable , I don't think I I was in the waiting room five minutes Before the young and energetic staff asked me to go with them. This is the place to be if this is a place you've got to go lol
Darin W.
The staff was amazing, particularly Ben, Kathy, Becky and Denise.
Kevin F.
Friendly and professional from the moment I stepped through the door. Thanks for your kindness and professionalism.
Vernon S.
Scheduled a colonoscopy and staff was very nice. Procedure was very quick.
Marylou M.
Very nice and pleasant doctor. Didn't have to wait, my appointment was on time.
Douglas
Excellent medical staff
Eleanor T.
The staff was helpful and made every moment of the experience pleasant. Procedure Started exactly at 8am. I felt no pain throughout the entire procedure.
Rachelle P.
I was very nervous, as this was my first colonoscopy. The staff was extremely comforting and friendly. Dr. Abadir was very patient and knowledgeable. The facility was very clean. I highly recommend Macomb Endoscopy.
Ami B.
Great, professional staff, great bedside manner! Made me feel very comfortable! 🩷
Heather W.
This was my 1st colonoscopy & this team was so very professional & helpful! Roger took great care of me & my concerns!
email S.
I've been a patient at CFDH for years. First rate organization. They've always kept my primary physician in the loop. I'm under care of Dr. Donat.
Joy
Efficient, friendly, it made that whole experience actually enjoyable.
Terrill H.
The staff was extremely professional, informative and they smiled. It helped me with my nervousness. I was able to be comfortable.
Rita D.
Entire staff was kind, friendly and efficient.
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My appointment with Jennifer was informative and professional.
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Dr. Bologna is a brilliant doctor! He correctly diagnosed my problem and provided an effective treatment plan. I was back on my feet in no time.

Our Doctors

We’re proud of our team here at Digestive Health Institute. Our health care providers include some of the very best colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and physician assistants. To learn more about our qualified team of specialists, please visit our providers page.

Anezi E. Bakken MD, MS

Sante D. Bologna MD, FACP

M. Emin Donat MD, FRCPC

Partha S. Nandi

Jack Tocco DO

John R. Weber MD

Richard T. Wille MD

Tusar Desai MD

Aalia Saeed, MD

FAQs

What happens during my first visit?
If you are a new patient, you can expect to have a complete physical exam. You will also be asked detailed questions about your current problems and your past medical history, your current medications, allergies, your family history and other pertinent medical information. If you are taking medications, please bring a completed medical history form with you to your appointment. Once the physician has reviewed your medical information and completed the physical examination, a plan of care will be developed. You may need to be seen again in the office, be referred back to your family physician for follow-up care, or require additional testing. If additional tests are needed, we will assist you in scheduling these tests.
What if I need to schedule an endoscopic procedure?

An endoscopic procedure allows the physician to visualize a part of your gastrointestinal tract with a special instrument called an endoscope. If your family physician has ordered testing, you will be contacted by telephone by one of our staff members. If a physician orders testing and you are in the office, the procedure can generally be scheduled during the course of your visit. You will be given a date, time, and location for the test, as well as written instructions telling you how to prepare for the test. If you have any questions about the procedure, please feel free to ask one of our staff members or the physician.

How do I get test results?

We ask that you wait 10 to 14 days before contacting us for results. Often results come from several different sources. This information needs to be compiled and reviewed by your physician before you can be appropriately advised. 

What insurances do you accept?

We accept payment from most insurance companies including Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Physicians Health Plan, Cofinity, Sparrow Professional Health Network, Medicaid, McLaren, Health Plus, and several others. Accepted insurances are subject to change at any time without notice.

If your insurance requires an authorization from your primary care physician, you may be asked to assist us in obtaining this authorization.

All patients are responsible for all copays and deductibles at the time of service.

If you have any questions regarding your benefits or insurance coverage, please contact our Billing Department at 248-844-9710.

What if I need to contact the doctor?

To contact your doctor during business hours please call our main number 248-844-9710. If you have an urgent need to speak with the doctor after hours, you will be rerouted to our after hours answering service, and your doctor will be paged. In the case of a medical emergency please proceed directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.

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