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

David S.
It was a fast and efficient experience.Everyone was very professional and helpful.
delshawn J.
The staff was Absolutely amazing! Everyone went above and beyond to make me comfortable.
Pamela P.
Everyone I came in contact with was courteous, helpful, and knowledgable, and I felt comfortable.
Jeanette Y.
The Center was an excellent experience from Roger and Brittany my nurses to the procedure room and Anesthetist, all was smooth. Very caring team and of course a fabulous physician, Dr Weber! Highly recommend this site and team!
Brad G.
From Dr. Bologna, to the staff all very knowledgeable, professional and nice people. I felt very comfortable and cared for. See ya in five years!
Richard M.
very friendly and professional they make sure you understand everything about your procedure and take time to be sure you understand the results
Marlene D.
Very kind, pleasant help, from sign in, and each and every assistant and nurse. And Dr Q set me at ease, thank you. I also appreciated the follow up phone call at home.
Lisa L.
The staff were all friendly and professional. Procedure was quick yet they let me take as long as I needed to recover.
Susan P.
Staff here are great! Very friendly and willing to answer any and all questions.
Russell B.
Efficient, compassionate, knowledgeable, and pleasant.
Dino P.
Dr. Donat and team are great! Professional, caring, friendly, truly the best experience.
Allison B.
Great experience for me here. Staff took care of me with straightforwardness and compassion, which I appreciate during medical visits. Slight hiccup with IV placement in one arm, but efficient at getting the other arm hooked up quickly and without issue. Great, pre- and post-care (and I can assume during, too, but I was napping, so...). 🙂 I highly recommend Center for Digestive Health.
Nicole G.
Staff was great! Very pleasant. Dr. Weber was fantastic! He listened to my questions and answered every one. I didn't feel rushed and he was very kind.
Ed L.
The peope were very professional and courteous. I would highly recommend this location
Jane B.
Great caring staff handled professionally. I will continue care at this location with Dr Donat and his staff.
Sharon O.
All of the staff are very professional. They keep the patient informed every step of the way.
Darrell P.
Staff was great they made my procedure easy . Thank You
K B.
Everyone in the building works to both help and make you feel comfortable in the whole process
Bob S.
Staff was very friendly and PROFESSIONAL. Bob S
Debbie C.
This office is run professional with friendly patient care. My call out to Amy, Nick, Jorden, Nicole, and Dr. Tocco. They all treated me with gentle respectful care. During my prep stage (which is the unpleasant part) I had some questions and called the office. Sherrie answered all of my questions and helped calm an advance middle aged lady down! You guys are the best!
Vincent K.
I appreciated being told at registration what the planned schedule was for my procedure. And it was pretty much on time. Also, the nurses who prepared me and discharged me were very professional and most pleasant.
Rick H.
Great doctor and an excellent staff
Thom S.
The entire staff was helpful and attentive to my needs. The procedure was very thorough and everyone made the experience one that remediated any fears I might have had. The smiles were contagious.
dennis W.
Staff was very friendly and answered every question. Felt very comfortable!
Elaine M.
I was surprised I didn't have to wait very long to see the Dr because the last place I went to kept me waiting about 2 hours. Very positive experience.
Diana T.
Everyone was professional and compassionate. They addressed all of my concerns and questions
Anna M.
Everyone was very pleasant
Kimberly N.
I have been here twice and both times I have had a wonderful experience. When you need to get a colonoscopy, go here!!!!
Kim H.
They’re like a fine oil machine someone to take care of all your needs make it comfortable and that’s over and done and you’re great

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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