Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Commonly known as IBS, irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder in which the colon is especially sensitive to the natural contractions that help food pass through the intestines. Left untreated, the condition can cause a great deal of pain as well as emotional distress and inconvenience. If you’ve been suffering from unexplained GI symptoms, feel free to visit the Gastroenterology Institute of Southern California for a consultation. irritable bowel syndrome specialist in Los Angeles
Diagnosing Irritable Bowel Syndrome Specialist Beverly Hills
Irritable bowel syndrome causes a number of symptoms that can have a seriously negative impact on your quality of life. Patients with IBS commonly experience the following:
- Abdominal pain after a meal
- Abdominal bloating or gas
- Constipation
- Frequent and/or strong urges to have a bowel movement
- Diarrhea
While patients may confuse IBS and IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), the two conditions are not the same. Inflammatory bowel diseases, which include Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, stem from an abnormality in the structure of the bowel. Patients with IBS have a normal bowel structure. Understanding the root cause of your digestive symptoms is crucial to determining an appropriate treatment course. irritable bowel syndrome specialist beverly hills
No single test exists for diagnosing IBS. Some patients become frustrated because the process of diagnosing IBS often involves the ruling out of other conditions, like Celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and infections. A board-certified gastroenterologist, Dr. Peyton Berookim offers the following tests to diagnose IBS and other conditions of the digestive system: irritable bowel syndrome specialist beverly hills
Upper endoscopy– Also known as an EGD, upper endoscopy involves the introduction of a tube with a camera on the end through the mouth down to the stomach. Dr. Berookim utilizes this method to examine the upper portion of the digestive tract. irritable bowel syndrome specialist beverly hills
Lower endoscopy – Dr. Berookim performs a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy to examine the lower portion of the digestive tract, including the bowels, rectum and colon.
Visualizing the upper and lower portions of the digestive tract is key to determining the best plan for alleviating IBS symptoms and getting patients back to enjoying life.
Treating IBS
Unfortunately, there is no cure for IBS. However, dietary changes can help alleviate IBS symptoms for many patients. Dr. Berookim advises patients with irritable bowel syndrome to avoid coffee and other caffeinated drinks known to stimulate the intestines. He may also recommend fiber supplements to alleviate constipation and soften stool. Medication is also an effective treatment option for many patients, and Dr. Berookim may prescribe anticholinergic medications, antibiotics and various drugs to relieve diarrhea and constipation.
New research suggests that treating small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) can also help relieve the symptoms of IBS. Dr. Berookim will sit down with you to discuss the best course of treatment for your particular case and symptoms.
Contact Us Today irritable bowel syndrome specialist in Los Angeles
IBS is a serious condition with the potential to affect a patient’s emotional health and quality of life. If you’re living with inconvenient GI symptoms and pain, don’t hesitate to call 310.271.1122 for a consultation with Dr. Berookim. Double board-certified in gastroenterology and internal medicine, Dr. Berookim specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of GI conditions. His goal is to alleviate symptoms and get patients back to enjoying their lives.