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Irritable Bowel Syndrome Specialist

Gwinnett Digestive Clinic, PC Indran B. Indrakrishnan , MD Our Services Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Gwinnett Digestive Clinic, PC

Indran B. Indrakrishnan , MD

Gastroenterology located in Lawrenceville, GA

Are you plagued by nagging abdominal cramping and bloating that over-the-counter medications barely help? Then you may be suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. To get to the source of your digestive problem, visit gastroenterologist Indran Indrakrishnan, MD, at Gwinnett Digestive Clinic, PC in Lawrenceville, Georgia, for a comprehensive evaluation and treatment. To see if you have irritable bowel syndrome, book an appointment online or over the phone.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Q & A

What is irritable bowel syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a fairly common condition that causes:

  • Abdominal cramping or pain
  • Bloating and gas
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation

IBS isn’t necessarily dangerous, but it can pose moderate discomfort and quality-of-life issues. IBS is a chronic disease that requires vigilant maintenance and medical oversight.

What causes irritable bowel syndrome?

The exact cause of IBS remains a mystery, but there are several factors that may lead to the problem, including:

  • Stronger or weaker muscle contractions in your intestines
  • A heightened nervous system
  • Inflammation in your intestines
  • Previous infection
  • Bacterial changes

In addition to the above, many IBS sufferers fall into one or more risk categories and share similar triggers, including:

  • Gender, as women are twice as likely to have IBS
  • Age, as the disease usually strikes men and women under age 50
  • High levels of stress
  • Certain food allergens
  • Hormonal changes, more likely in women
  • Family history
  • Mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and trauma

IBS is a tricky condition to pin down, which is why you should see a gastroenterologist, like Dr. Indrakrishnan, for expert care.

How is irritable bowel syndrome diagnosed and treated?

Because there’s no known cause of IBS, there’s no single test that can confirm the presence of the condition. To start, Dr. Indrakrishnan performs an extensive analysis of your problem, which includes a review of your symptoms and medical history. He may also order lab tests. The symptoms of IBS are often red flags for other conditions, so Dr. Indrakrishnan will work to rule out the presence of another problem.

An important part of this process is a colonoscopy, which allows Dr. Indrakrishnan to take a look inside your colon and rectum to see if he can identify the problem that’s causing your symptoms.

After his exhaustive evaluation, Dr. Indrakrishnan will work with you to come up with a treatment plan that will alleviate your symptoms. This plan may include one or more of the following:

  • Trigger avoidance
  • Dietary changes
  • Supplements
  • Laxatives or anti-diarrheal medications, depending upon how IBS is affecting you
  • Antidepressants

In order to successfully gain the upper hand on your IBS, Dr. Indrakrishnan will typically take a multipronged approach that covers every angle.

To determine whether IBS is at the root of your gastrointestinal discomfort, call Gwinnett Digestive Clinic, PC or book an appointment online.

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