When to See a Specialist for IBS

Managing your IBS is critical for your health and well-being. If you notice any of the following changes, it’s time to set up an appointment with a specialist about your IBS.

Extreme Change In Symptoms:

Sudden or extreme changes in your IBS symptoms are key. Common IBS symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, changes in bowel habits, and constipation. If any of these suddenly change or get worse, it’s time to check in with a specialist for support.

Ineffective Treatment:

Irritable bowel syndrome can change over time, and this is completely normal. However, your treatment plan should be effective and address your IBS symptoms. Every treatment plan can take some time to work, so it’s important to be patient. But, if your treatment plan isn’t working after three months, it’s time to see a specialist to modify it.

Severe Abdominal Pain:

Abdominal pain is a common symptom among those who have IBS. If your abdominal pain suddenly becomes severe, it can be a sign of a serious issue. Severe abdominal pain should be treated seriously, and you should seek medical treatment right away. In some cases, you may need to visit the emergency room. However, follow up with an IBS specialist just to be safe.

Severe Diarrhea:

Diarrhea is also a common symptom associated with IBS. If you have acute and severe diarrhea, it can be a sign of a more serious issue. Diarrhea occurs when you have loose or watery bowels, an increase in bowel movements, or both. It’s critical to take this seriously, as you can easily become dehydrated if the issue is not addressed right away.

Symptoms of Malabsorption:

Symptoms associated with malabsorption include chronic diarrhea, gas, bloating, abdominal pain, weight loss, and stool changes. This can impact other parts of your body and lead to serious health issues if not properly diagnosed and treated. With that, if you experience any of the symptoms associated with malabsorption, contact an IBS specialist right away.

Symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease:

Symptoms associated with inflammatory bowel disease (“IBD”) include diarrhea, abdominal discomfort and pain, bloating, gas, incomplete bowel movements, sleep issues, and mucus in your stool. There is some crossover with symptoms of IBS and IBD, so it can be difficult to differentiate. However, a change in symptoms indicates that you should contact an IBS specialist right away.

Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer:

Symptoms associated with colorectal cancer include a change in bowel movements, bloody or dark stool, abdominal pain, weight loss, and anemia. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact a hepatology specialist near you in Los Angeles right away. Early intervention is key to having a healthy prognosis and reducing your risk for other harmful health issues associated with IBS.

Managing Your IBS

If you are currently experiencing IBS symptoms, it’s important to talk with an IBS specialist right away, as they can provide you with a diagnosis and effective treatment plan. Additionally, if your current treatment plan isn’t working, getting checked out by a specialist can be beneficial. Early intervention and proper management can minimize the long-term impact of IBS on your daily activities and overall well-being.

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Risk Factors for GERD Symptoms

Roughly 32 million Americans experience GERD symptoms. Roughly 10% of the population experiences symptoms on a daily basis. There are a number of factors that can increase your risk for GERD including non-modifiable and modifiable factors.

Non-Modifiable Factors

Consider the following non-modifiable factors that can increase your risk for GERD.

• Age: The natural aging process comes with a number of bodily changes. These changes can increase your risk for GERD, including a weakened lower esophageal sphincter, reduced saliva production, and slow digestion. Additionally, older adults are more likely to have other health conditions that can contribute to GERD and may be taking medications that increase the risk.
• Sex: Men are more likely than women to develop the condition. Men tend to have larger abdominal cavities which increases the pressure on the stomach. This pressure can contribute to the development of GERD. While the research is preliminary, hormonal differences between men and women have also been found to increase the risk of the condition for men.
• Genetics: Evidence suggests that genetics can play a role in whether you develop GERD. If you have a close family with the condition, your risk of developing the condition is higher.

Modifiable Factors

Consider the following modifiable factors that can increase your risk for GERD.

• Lifestyle: Certain lifestyle choices can increase your risk for the condition. Smoking, drinking alcohol, and certain physical activities can make GERD more likely. Smoking weakens the esophagus which can lead to GERD. Additionally, alcohol consumption can increase your risk for acid reflux which can lead to GERD. While regular exercise is important, certain exercises can increase your risk for GERD, including high-impact activities or exercises that require you to bend or increase pressure on your stomach.
• Diet: Your diet plays a role in your risk for GERD. This is because certain foods can trigger the condition, including spicy or acidic foods. In addition to the type of foods you eat, when and how much you eat can also play a role. Eating large meals and late at night are two key factors.
• Weight: If you are overweight or obese, you are at an increased risk for GERD. This is because excess weight can put extra pressure on your stomach which can ultimately lead to GERD.

Treatment for GERD

GERD can be an uncomfortable condition as it comes with a number of unwanted symptoms. Chest pain, morning hoarseness, trouble swallowing, dry cough, bad breath, and sensations of food being stuck in your throat are common symptoms. In addition to the unwanted symptoms, GERD can cause serious health issues if not addressed. If left untreated, GERD can lead to esophagitis, dental issues, respiratory issues, and sleep disturbances. It’s important to seek treatment from a hepatology specialist right away.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease treatment varies from patient to patient and depends on the severity of the condition. In many cases, under the guidance of a medical professional, lifestyle modifications can improve the condition. Lifestyle changes may also be accompanied by certain medications that can be helpful in managing the condition. If these approaches do not improve the condition, surgical intervention may be necessary. However, this is after less invasive options have been exhausted. If you suffer from the symptoms associated with GERD, it’s important to talk with a medical professional right away.

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Can Stress Cause IBS?

Today, your local gastroenterologist in Los Angeles will answer the popular question, “Can stress cause IBS?” Our patients are always curious about how different health conditions are linked, and how undue stress from work and school can actually cause some major issues in your digestive tract. Numerous studies have shown strong links between stress and IBS, so let’s find out what triggers each and how we can avoid them in our daily lives.

What is Stress?

Stress is the body’s reaction to anxiety, fear, guilt, pressure, and discomfort. Stress is the way we respond to feeling under pressure or threatened. Stress is when we feel powerless or unable to control a situation. Stress can increase cortisol levels, making it harder for the digestive system’s job.

It’s no surprise that IBS flare-ups and stress both increase the brain’s signal to the digestive system. Over time, stress can tickle this same part of the brain that makes you have to go to the bathroom, making the act of going to the bathroom itself a stress response.

What is IBS?

IBS is a type of functioning gastrointestinal disorder or GI disorder. These conditions are also known as disorders of gut-brain interaction, which is why it is also so closely linked to stress. Irritable Bowel Syndrome, in particular, describes a set of symptoms that can affect your digestive system. It is one of the most common types of gastrointestinal disorders diagnosed across the globe. IBS can cause excessive gas, cramps, abdominal pain – and, of course, stress!

IBS patients tend to have more contractions in their colon muscles than people who don’t have the condition. These contractions can cause pain and cramps. IBS sufferers also have lower pain tolerance. Researchers have also found that IBS patients may have a higher level of bacteria in their GI tracts, which could contribute to the symptoms.

Connecting Stress and IBS

If you have IBS and feel the need to go to the bathroom when you receive a scary text message or an email from your boss, you are likely dealing with IBS symptoms due to stress. Stress can cause hormone releases that can have a negative impact on the gut, disrupting the digestion process.

Chronic stress can lead to an imbalance in the bacteria in your gut and may play a major role in the less comfortable IBS symptoms. But, you may not be able to seek effective treatment for IBS unless you can also treat the stress.

Symptoms of Stress and IBS

There are many reasons for IBS. However, it is possible that you have IBS because you are stressed out. IBS symptoms and stress often look similar. If you experience any of these symptoms, please contact us immediately.

• Stiff neck or jaw
• Muscle tension
• Insomnia
• Sleepiness
• Cloudy thinking
• Forgetfulness
• Low sexual libido
• Low energy
• Fatigue
• Tiredness
• Aches and pains in the body
• Appetite changes
• Weight changes

It’s normal to be concerned or confused by a new symptom. As a first step to assessing the new symptoms, some people prefer to see their primary care physician.

Assess Your Gastrointestinal Health Today

It is unfortunate that there is no single cause or solution for irritable bowel syndrome in Los Angeles. However, it is important to distinguish the connection between IBS and stress as a major cause of several different gut disorders. If you are overly stressed and it’s causing you to go to the bathroom more or less than normal, it might be a good time to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Tabib. We can help you get your gut health on the right track before you start to experience some of the more negative symptoms.

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Can young adults have GERD, though?

For young people with GERD, the symptoms may even be more severe. If you are in Los Angeles and need help managing your GERD, don’t hesitate to see a gastroenterologist in Los Angeles today. Below, we will talk more about GERD and why people of all ages are susceptible.

What Is GERD?

Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when the esophagus is irritated by stomach acid or food rising from the stomach. This feeling is also called heartburn. People experiencing GERD struggle with a burning sensation and pain throughout not only the chest but also the neck and throat. GERD is a disease where GER is occurring at least twice every week. This rate of irritation to your esophagus can lead to permanent damage.

Risk Factors for GERD

Some medical conditions can put you at a higher risk of developing GERD. These risk factors include obesity, pregnancy, and connective tissue disorders. GERD can also occur when your stomach is not emptied regularly.

If you already have GERD, there are activities that can make your symptoms worse. These include smoking, eating large meals, eating too late at night, eating foods that trigger reflux, consuming drinks that trigger reflux, and taking certain medications. Because many young people have habits that aggravate GERD (such as eating junk food late at night), they may face a higher risk of severe damage.

Dangers of GERD for Young Adults

GERD is especially dangerous for young adults. They are likely to suffer for long periods of time without proper treatment. They are also at increased risk because the overall risk of complications increases the longer a patient has GERD. If GERD isn’t treated well, your esophagus can become inflamed, develop ulcers, or become permanently narrower.

Diagnosing GERD

If you suspect you are experiencing GERD and live in LA, it’s never too soon to make an appointment with your gastroenterologist. Some common GERD tests that your gastroenterologist might order include:

• A gastric emptying scan, which shows how quickly the patient’s stomach empties after the patient consumes a tracking device.
• Upper GI radiology, which means an X-ray is taken of the esophagus. After you swallow a thick liquid called barium, the X-ray can show how the liquid backs up and irritates your esophagus.
• An upper endoscopy, where a tiny camera is used to examine the esophagus, stomach, and some of your small intestine. Sometimes an endoscopy also involves an esophageal biopsy, where a small sample of your esophageal tissue is removed for analysis.
• A 24-hour impedance-ph probe study, which is a procedure where a tube is inserted through the nose and into your esophagus. The tip of the tube measures the acid levels in your esophagus over the course of 24 hours.

Treating Your GERD

If your GERD has been caught early, you can simply adapt your lifestyle to avoid further damage. For example, quitting smoking, increasing exercise, and changing your diet will make a big difference.

If your GERD has been left untreated, you may need medication or surgery. Thankfully, surgery is rarely needed in young adults. Treatments for GERD include medicines that can decrease how much stomach acid you have as well as medicines that improve the function of your esophageal sphincter.

Talk About GERD With Your Specialist Today!

If you have questions or concerns about GERD, it’s best to speak with a professional. You may want to see a GERD specialist in Los Angeles and ask about your risks or treatment options. Get in touch with our professional team at the office of Dr. Tabib for fast and effective kidney treatment.

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Am I Passing Too Much Gas?

But like anything, too much can stop being a good thing. Is there such a thing as passing too much gas? If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I passing too much gas?”, then you’ve come to the right place. Many patients at the office of Dr. Tabib wonder if they have too much gas in the digestive tract. Let’s take a look at what symptoms may indicate that you are indeed dealing with too much gas and how to seek proper treatment.

Symptoms of Excessive Gas

Gas pains and discomfort are no fun to deal with. It is important to reach out to your doctor if you are going through any of these things on a regular basis:

• Sharp pains in your abdomen
• Debilitating cramps
• Feeling of knots in your stomach
• Bloating or excessive pressure in the abdomen
• Burping and passing gas excessively

Not only can these symptoms be limiting and even embarrassing, but they are also a sign that something may not be quite right. It is important to contact your local doctor if you haven’t been feeling well for awhile. If your pain lasts a long time or is accompanied by chest pain, you should visit the emergency room.

What Causes Excessive Gas?

There are many different causes of excessive gas that could be giving you pain. Typically, excessive gas comes from eating certain types of foods. Legumes like beans and lentils, for example, are more likely to give you gas. This is also true of whole grains, veggies, and some fruits. Anything high in fiber makes your body produce more gas. But there could be other dietary factors at play. In addition to having too much of a certain type of food, certain eating habits might perpetuate gas production. Those who take too many fiber supplements, drink too many carbonated drinks, or eat too quickly during each meal can also experience a buildup of gas over time.

If diet-based issues are ruled, out, it might be possible that a prior medical condition is causing you to experience these symptoms. You may have a chronic intestinal disease or you might have a food allergy that is causing your body to become intolerant. Lactose is a common ingredient that can cause excessive gas in some people. It is possible that you are constipated or dealing with other issues in the small bowel. In any case, a visit to your doctor is what’s most important.

Best Treatments for Excessive Gas

Depending on the severity of your symptoms as well as the initial cause, your doctor may recommend a number of treatments. For instance, the best treatment for gas related to diet is to invest in a reduction of dairy, high-fiber foods, and carbonated drinks. You may also want to try out a new exercise routine to keep your body more regulated.

There are a few over-the-counter treatments that your doctor may recommend if you just have a mild case of gas. In more serious cases, your doctor may want to meet with you again to establish a long-term care plan to get your dietary tract in good working health again.

Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Tabib Today

The worst thing you can do for your gas pains is to ignore them. If you are tired of being constantly bloated and uncomfortable, make an appointment with your local gastroenterologist in Los Angeles and let your doctor know what’s going on. Excessive gas in the digestive tract can be treated easily when you trust in your professional experts.

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