Irritable Bowel Syndrome Specialist
GI Endoscopy Practice
Bharat Dasani, MD
Gastroenterologist located in Riverdale, NJ & Parsippany, NJ
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects around 12% of people in the United States. The common gastrointestinal condition causes a range of symptoms that can affect your quality of life. Bharat Dasani, MD, and the team at GI Endoscopy Practice in Riverdale and Parsippany, New Jersey, specialize in diagnosing and treating IBS. They develop personalized plans that help you manage your symptoms so you can get back to doing the things you love. To schedule an appointment, call the office or book online today.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Q&A
What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
IBS is a chronic gastrointestinal condition that affects normal bowel function. Though IBS can cause debilitating symptoms, it’s not known to cause any damage to your gastrointestinal tract.
You can develop IBS at any age. Your symptoms may unexpectedly resolve and then recur throughout your life.
Though IBS symptoms can be severe and affect many aspects of your life, only 40% of people with IBS seek medical help for their condition. Dr. Dasani and the team at GI Endoscopy Practice specialize in IBS and can provide the care you need so you can get relief.
What are irritable bowel syndrome symptoms?
IBS symptoms vary in type and severity. Common symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Gas
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Feeling as though you can’t fully evacuate your bowels
- Mucus in your stool
- Pencil-thin stool
Changes in bowel habits are very common in people with IBS. It’s not unusual for someone to suffer from either chronic constipation or chronic diarrhea. Some people with IBS may even fluctuate between bouts of diarrhea and constipation.
How is irritable bowel syndrome diagnosed?
No single test can diagnose IBS. To better understand the cause of your symptoms, the team at GI Endoscopy Practice conducts comprehensive evaluations for IBS.
During your evaluation, they review your symptoms, bowel habits, and medical and family history, then perform a physical exam.
To confirm or rule out other causes of your symptoms, the team may request diagnostic tests like bloodwork, urinalysis, endoscopy, or colonoscopy. They may even request you keep a diary to track your symptoms in relation to your diet and life stresses.
How is irritable bowel syndrome treated?
The team at GI Endoscopy Practice develops individualized treatment plans for IBS based on the type and severity of your symptoms. No single treatment works for everyone and it may take some trial and error to find the right tools to help you keep your IBS symptoms under control.
Your treatment plan may include:
- Diet modification
- Exercise program
- Stress management
- Medication to alleviate diarrhea or constipation
- Antispasmodics to control bowel function
- Antidepressants
Dr. Dasani schedules regular follow-up appointments to monitor you and your symptoms and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Don’t let your irritable bowel syndrome control your life. Call GI Endoscopy Practice or schedule a consultation online to get help today.