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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What They Are Saying

Bryan C.
Everyone was super friendly and professional, from the check-in gal to the intake nurse to the anesthesiologist to the doctor made a difficult procedure somewhat enjoyable if that’s possible
Rhonda W.
Professional all around! Highly recommend. The staff is awesome and always outgoing.
Richard H.
Superb!
Elizabeth H.
Efficient clean environment. Doctors are awesome and communicate with patients. No hidden fees like your typical Hospital environment or like other doctors.
Nancy Z.
Every thing went great. No wait. Staff and doctor were kind and worked well together. Definitely recommend.
Jesus T.
Patient oriented facility,highly recommended.
Bob K.
Real good experience. Everyone was very nice. Professional and fast.
susan L.
All the staff were pleasant and extremely knowledgeable. Dr. Willie was very personable
Susan D.
Great anesthesia. But my prep was too aggressive. I have heard of other Drs with a better prep. I will be switching to another dr for next colonoscopy
LaKesha T.
Very professional office. As pleasant an experience as getting a colonoscopy can be 🤗
frank P.
Incredibly quick in getting you checked in, set up and ready to go for your procedure. Also very friendly while prepping you. Everyone from top to bottom was clear in what to expect while there and then following up with you after to ensure you know what to expect before, during and after procedure. So easy and nice when having a procedure that can be uncomfortable to you as the patient.
Steven
I had a great experience. The nurses and staff were friendly and cheerful and the doctor was skilled and professional. They were very organized and orderly. I would 100% recommend.
alberto F.
Great service, the personnel is very professional and helpful .
Tomicko
Your receptionist was so amazing and patient with me her customer service was over and beyond my technician or nurse tech that was in my room was very helpful very friendly and very compassionate. I can say more.
connie J.
I hadn't been in this office for four years. I signed in and found out my appt. was for 11:15 am and not 11:45 am as I thought. The office was so accommodating and was able to get me in though The Medical Assistant who checked me in was so so friendly. Her smile lit up the room.
Tracy T.
Everyone that works here is always so friendly and caring. Any procedure can fill you with anxiety but the staff is very calming.
Pamela J.
Excellent listening skills, excellent explanation.
Patticake B.
Happy to have met her and she will be my new Dr
Patricia L.
I've been with Dr Balogna for 25 years or more. He is very caring man. Staff has always been kind and on the ball. I won't go else where very happy with him!
Rachel B.
Staff is very nice and efficient. Dr. Tocco is on time, helpful with my issues and answers my questions. His assistant is very helpful when calling with questions. I was also impressed with how efficient they are on the day of a procedure. Which was great since a colonoscopy was part of the procedures.
Tamara T.
Overall experience with this physician and group was exceptional. Timeliness of appointment and scheduling was flexible and an unexpected work conflict requiring a reschedule was easily accommodated. Checking in and intake were low key and the two women I worked with helped me relax. I was treated respectfully and kindly by all care extenders and the physician. Follow up call in the afternoon was appreciated. “Senior pix” are not fun - having a great group to work with made it far easier.
N K.
Dr. Richard T. Wille, MD He’s amazing doctor. Explain everything well., And all staff front and medical assistant are great and helpful Highly recommend this office .
Tim M.
Easy to make an appointment. When arriving on the day of the appointment, very easy and short check in and very short wait time to start the procedure. Procedure was explained by nurse, completed by Dr. Weber. And after the procedure, Dr Weber explained the results, which were positive. From check in to leaving after the procedure , it took only 2 hours. Would highly recommend.
Renee X.
I had a colonoscopy with Dr Nandi . Everyone was very attentive. I felt comfortable and confident.
jbkanouse
A great place with great doctors
Linda S.
Everyone was great and very helpful . Dr Saeed excellent in explaining what we're doing and why
Rhonda D A.
Positive experience throughout entire process. Highly recommend.
Johnny D.
It was how one would want an experience to go. No issues. No confusion. Friendly people. Felt confident with how each interaction went. See you in ten years.
Michael C.
This was a great experience. Quick, professional and well organized. Successful

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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