IBS — Irritable Bowel Syndrome

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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 Our Patients Are Saying

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I’ve been a patient of Dr. Weber for almost a decade. My husband for more than & it was he who recommended Dr. Weber. He’s knowledgeable & well experienced in his field. Plus he’s an all around kind & nice guy. And you’d like how the office & tech staff are trained to run the operation of this practice. Efficient, patient and helpful! I’d feel very comfortable recommending this practice.

Vicki M.

I had a great time. Everyone was very friendly and professional. One nurse said I had nice eyes, which really helped my self esteem. Dr. Willie was fantastic. His concern about having magenta ink for the printer really shows what a caring man he is. The pictures turned out great. I framed them and hung them up on my wall at home. But, seriously the experience was pleasant. Thank you to everyone involved.

Terry M.

Lord knows having a colonoscopy is zero fun. The prep nearly did me in. But after arriving at suite 270 every single person was pleasant and efficient. The attention to cleanliness in the office is very apparent and appreciated. Every employee introduced themselves by name, apologized for an IV that took two tries and made sure I was as comfortable as can be before I was ready to leave. However, I’m going to enjoy every minute of the five years before I need to return!

Marie C.

I have been here several times and have always been treated great. The receptionist are so kind and the nurses are wonderful so is the anesthesia person are so kind and answers any concerns you might have. My Dr Bologna is awesome. This is the place to go if you need endoscopy or colonoscopy. Thank all the staff for being so kind

Debbie A.

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.

Amir Abadir MD, FRCPC

Anezi E. Bakken MD, MS

Sante D. Bologna MD, FACP

M. Emin Donat MD, FRCPC

Ronald Fogel MDCM, MHSA

Freeha Khan MD

Partha S. Nandi

Leonard G. Quallich III MD

Aditi Saxena MD

Jack Tocco DO

John R. Weber MD

Richard T. Wille 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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