Irritable Bowel Syndrome – What are the symptoms?
Up to an estimated twenty percent of Americans experience irritable bowel syndrome. Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome include bloating, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation. The frequency of symptoms can vary from patient to patient. Types of irritable bowel syndrome include irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D), irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C), and mixed type irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-M).
What are the differences between the types of IBS?
Patients with IBS-C suffer from all of the symptoms of IBS, but also experience chronic constipation. They may feel like they are unable to complete bowel movements, or experience straining. Other symptoms can include frequent bloating and gas.
In order to qualify for a diagnosis of IBS-D, a patient would need to experience stools that are loose and more frequent. Allergies or infections may play a role in the development of IBS-D. While the patient may pass stools frequently while awake, they should not experience diarrhea that wakes them up during sleep.
Those with IBS-M experience IBS symptoms but do not have consistent bowel habits. They will experience both episodes of constipation and diarrhea. This type can be difficult to treat due to the varying symptoms. Changes in symptoms can greatly vary, sometimes changing within hours, days, weeks, or months.
Do you have the symptoms of IBS? Make an appointment to talk to your doctor about treatment options!
What is the difference between IBS and IBD?
While IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome, can be treated with dietary or lifestyle changes, that is not the case with inflammatory bowel disease. Untreated inflammatory bowel disease can result is long lasting damage to the digestive system. If a patient experiences chronic diarrhea, rectal bleeding, weight loss, or fatigue, they will want to talk to their doctor about treatment options to prevent long term health complications. Untreated inflammatory bowel disease can lead to malnutrition and even cancer. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are two types of inflammatory bowel disease. Diagnosed in only 1.3% of the population, this disorder may require surgery.
It is crucial for patients that experience each of these disorders to seek treatment in order to improve their quality of life and avoid long term health complications. Patients should talk to their doctor if they are experiencing any symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease.
Provider Spotlight
Welcome Dr. Annette Tobar to our practice!
Dr. Tobar attended Tufts University, where she received her medical degree and completed her residency at Caritas St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center. She then completed her fellowship at the University of Colorado. She has been a Gastroenterologist in Southern NH for 10 years and is excited to join our growing practice. Dr. Tobar is board certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine and specializes in general Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Dr. Tobar makes sure to fully explain patients’ conditions and help them choose the best treatment plan available. We are thrilled to have her as a new member of the team!
Interview with Dr. Tobar
What is your favorite thing about practicing medicine?
What I love most about my career is the relationships with people. These relationships usually begin with me learning about someone’s symptoms and using my scientific knowledge to make diagnoses and formulate treatment plans that will ideally help someone feel better. The best part is when you can get to know patients more personally, can gain their trust and can help them with any concern – acute or chronic – they may have.
What do you consider the most rewarding part of being a gastroenterologist?
There are two things I would consider the most rewarding. The first one is straightforward, and this is preventing colon cancer by performing thorough screening colonoscopies for my patients.
The other equally rewarding part of being a gastroenterologist pertains to my interests in patients with liver disease.For example, treating someone with liver disease related to being overweight or sedentary – one of my favorite conversations is telling someone that their liver disease is improved when they become more active and choose healthier lifestyles.I am also very dedicated to my patients with chronic liver disease and cirrhosis and monitor them closely for complications related to their disease.Also, I take pride in being there for my patients locally as some may be followed by transplant teams.
What do you like to do in your free time?
My free time belongs to my family which includes my husband and two children. I am a homebody and I enjoy every minute I have with them. Both my children are becoming more involved in town sports and they both swim. I am often the soccer mom on the sidelines wearing scrubs and I love it. I also enjoy exercising (running & cross fit) and do so regularly. Last, I most enjoy traveling locally and visit Florida often to see my family.
Patient Education
Helpful Tips for Living with Ulcerative Colitis.
At times, living with ulcerative colitis can be challenging. Symptoms can worsen with flare ups, and it can be difficult to navigate your day-to-day activities when this occurs. Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes symptoms such as weight loss, abdominal pain, bloody stools, diarrhea, and fever.
If you have recently been diagnosed with the disease, here are some tips that can help you better cope with your symptoms:
- Talk to your doctor if your sleep is affected by ulcerative colitis. Many patients report that getting enough sleep improves their overall health, as well as their symptoms.
- If you need help managing your diarrhea symptoms, you may want to talk to your doctor about anti-diarrheal medications. Managing this symptom can greatly improve your quality of life.
- The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation have several local chapters that can offer you support. In addition to online support systems and your doctor, there is also a community of those with ulcerative colitis that host local events. Visit their website to learn more about communities near you!
- Check out bathroom locator apps, which are available for both android and Apple smartphones. These apps can help you feel more confident when you travel and can also help you find the nearest restroom when you are out.
Office Updates
We are excited to announce the grand opening of our brand new Raymond office! We are thrilled to be able to expand our practice and offer patients an additional convenient location to see their doctor and continue their care. The office is slated to open October 18, 2021. We will be able to start seeing patients at this location on November 1, 2021.