Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsGetting DiagnosedIBS ProvidersWhen to Seek Medical CareFind an IBS ProviderPrep for Your First VisitTreatmentsProvider-Patient RelationshipSevere IBS Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Getting Diagnosed
IBS Providers
When to Seek Medical Care
Find an IBS Provider
Prep for Your First Visit
Treatments
Provider-Patient Relationship
Severe IBS Care
Irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) causes gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating. Getting an accurate, timely diagnosis from a healthcare provider helps minimize the disruptive effects of IBS.
There is no one-size-fits-all IBS treatment. You may need to see various medical experts and experiment with treatments before finding a winning combination.
This article reviews why it’s necessary to see an IBS provider for diagnosis, types of providers who treat IBS, how to find a provider, preparing for your first visit, and common treatments.
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Do I Have to See an IBS Provider for Diagnosis?
It is essential to see a healthcare provider for an accurateIBS diagnosis. IBS is complex, and symptoms can overlap with other GI disorders. Self-tests and symptom checklists are available online but are not specific enough to differentiate IBS from other GI conditions. Relying on self-tests can lead to a misdiagnosis and treatment delay.
Understanding IBS Providers
IBS symptoms can disrupt daily activities and work, school, and social events. Getting a timely, accurate diagnosis and treatment from a healthcare provider can minimize these disruptions. Treatment can aid symptom relief, improve mental health, prevent complications, and increase your quality of life.
Types of IBS Medical Providers
IBS care may involve medical providers such as:
Mental Health Professionals for IBS Care
Depression and anxiety are common among people with IBS, with nearly one-third of people experiencing a co-occurring mental health challenge.Comprehensive, interdisciplinary care of IBS may include mental health professionals such as:
Dietitians and Nutritionists for IBS
Dietitians and nutritionistsprovide dietary guidance to alleviate IBS symptoms and improve digestive health. They can help identify trigger foods and recommendIBS-specific dietary planswith optimal nutritional benefits.
Physical Therapists and IBS
The dysfunction of the pelvic floor (muscles that support the intestines) may cause or worsen IBS. Some physical therapists specialize inpelvic floor therapy, which involves exercises and techniques to help alleviate pelvic floor dysfunction.
Alternative Providers for IBS
Complementary care might involve the following providers:
When to Contact an IBS Provider
Contact an IBS provider if you experience periods of abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, or bloating that lasts several weeks. People with a uterus may notice that symptoms worsen before or during their period.
How to Find an IBS Provider
The following steps can help you identify an IBS provider who aligns with your preferences and circumstances.
How to Prepare for Your First Visit to an IBS Provider
Before your first visit with an IBS provider, make notes about your symptoms. Include details about how long they last, their severity, and factors that make them better or worse. The provider may perform a physical exam and order diagnostic tests such as:
How Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Is Diagnosed
Common Treatment Options for IBS
If a healthcare provider diagnoses you with IBS, they may recommend lifestyle changes or over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications. Some people use alternative therapies torelievetheir IBS symptoms.
Lifestyle Changes and Self-Care
Consider the following lifestyle changes and self-care strategies to manage IBS:
Medication for IBS
Medicationtreatment options for IBS depend on which IBS subtype you have.
IBS SubtypesIBS is categorized intothe following subtypesbased on your symptoms:IBS-D (diarrhea)IBS-C (constipation)IBS-M (mixed diarrhea and constipation)IBS-U (unidentified bowel pattern)
IBS Subtypes
IBS is categorized intothe following subtypesbased on your symptoms:IBS-D (diarrhea)IBS-C (constipation)IBS-M (mixed diarrhea and constipation)IBS-U (unidentified bowel pattern)
IBS is categorized intothe following subtypesbased on your symptoms:
Temporary diarrhea relief might include over-the-counter (OTC) antidiarrheals such as:
OTC medications for constipation relief may include:
Providers commonly prescribe the following medications for IBS:
Alternative Therapies
Alternative therapies and complementary approaches might include:
10 Self-Care Tips for IBS Relief
Building a Strong Provider-Patient Relationship
Building a strong provider-patient relationship involves open communication on both sides. It helps to find a provider who listens and includes you in decision-making. Try to be open and honest about your symptoms and complementary therapies you are considering. Ask questions to seek clarification.
What to Do When IBS Becomes Severe
Schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider if your symptoms become severe. Don’t be shy about discussing the impact on your daily life. Sometimes, they may recommend further testing, medication changes, or a gastroenterology consultation.
When to Seek Emergency Medical CareSigns you should seek emergency care for stomach cramps include:Fever (100.4 degrees F or higher)Large amounts of rectal bleeding orblood in your stoolSevere and persistent abdominal pain that doesn’t resolve with treatmentPersistent and severe diarrhea or vomitingSevere dehydration (dizziness, rapid heartbeat, dark urine)
When to Seek Emergency Medical Care
Signs you should seek emergency care for stomach cramps include:Fever (100.4 degrees F or higher)Large amounts of rectal bleeding orblood in your stoolSevere and persistent abdominal pain that doesn’t resolve with treatmentPersistent and severe diarrhea or vomitingSevere dehydration (dizziness, rapid heartbeat, dark urine)
Signs you should seek emergency care for stomach cramps include:
Summary
IBS is a complex condition with symptoms that overlap with other gastrointestinal disorders. It is necessary to see an IBS healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. Taking proactive steps to manage IBS can improve your quality of life. Find a provider who understands IBS, makes you feel comfortable, includes you in decision-making, and considers an interdisciplinary approach.
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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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