Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Support Group

Embarrassed? Answers to 8 questions you're afraid to ask your doctor

By Dr. Orrange July 3, 2008 1:43pm 17 Comments

DrOrrange

There are no dumb questions, but occasionally embarrassing ones. Many of you sheepishly bring up issues during your visit with the doctor thinking you are alone and you are not alone. Here are the most common awkward questions I am asked about.

1) Bright red blood with your poops. This is so common we call this Bright Red …

Vaginal Discharge 101

By Dr. Orrange May 27, 2008 4:43pm 7 Comments

DrOrrange

"Is it normal to have . . .?" It's a question I often hear in the office. Vagina talk starts with this question: has the quantity or quality (color, odor, and amount) of your vaginal discharge changed? If so, here is a breakdown of some of the causes of vaginal discharge and what it will look like. Here we go ladies:

Bacterial vaginosis: This …

I Want To Lose Weight -- Where Do I Start?

By Dr. Orrange May 20, 2008 10:48am 8 Comments

DrOrrange

This is the most common question I am asked these days.

Identify Your goal and enlist your primary care doctor for help. A successful weight loss program should lead to weight loss of more than 5 percent of initial weight within 3-6 months. Because long-term weight reduction is so difficult, it is important to have as much information and …

About Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome is a common intestinal disorder that is characterized by bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, cramping, and constipation. Typically no abnormalities appear during standard medical testing, and so irritable bowel syndrome is identified by the symptoms. Although irritable bowel syndrome can cause serious discomfort, the intestines are not harmed.

Causes of IBS

Medical researchers have not determined what causes irritable bowel syndrome. Theories about IBS include an increase in intestinal or colon sensitivity in reacting to stress or specific foods, a sensitive reaction to stretching of the bowel, or a response by the central nervous system. Women develop irritable bowel syndrome twice as often as men, and may be responding to hormonal changes.

Treatments for IBS

The majority of people undergoing irritable bowel syndrome do not receive any treatment. However, there are a variety of treatments and practices available to help reduce or manage the symptoms. At home, you can work to reduce foods that produce gas such as cabbage, broccoli, and carbonated beverages. Taking fiber supplements such as methylcellulose or psyllium may help minimize constipation. Avoiding caffeine and fatty foods can help lessen abdominal pain. A reduction in fruit, dairy products and artificial sweeteners can help curtail diarrhea. If necessary, medications such as Loperamide can help reduce occurrences of diarrhea.

Alosetron is the only drug available specifically to treat irritable bowel syndrome, and is typically used as a last resort because of severe possible side effects. For women only, it is designed to relax the colon and slow the passage of waste through the bowel. It is currently only available from doctors enrolled in a special program.

IBS Resources and Support

The DailyStrength irritable bowel syndrome support group provides members an opportunity to safely give and receive help and advice regarding their health challenges. The variety of symptoms and treatment options can be discussed through one-on-one chat, forum discussion posts, and journals.

If you are newly diagnosed, or suspect you have IBS, you may wish to explore these resources and discuss them further in the IBS Forum:

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