One way or another, everyone has heard of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, but do you know what this common condition is? Let’s look into IBS some more, and see what the symptoms are, to learn more about how this condition affects some of the patients we see at The Colony ER Hospital.

What is IBS?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a disorder that effects the large intestine. The exact causes and symptoms can vary, but when it is chronic and severe, it can pose a serious health risk. Sometimes, IBS is an indication of a larger health issue, and sometimes it can be a product of unhealthy lifestyles.

While many of the circumstances surrounding IBS do not have one root cause, they all indicate that something is wrong in a patient.

The Symptoms:

  1. Abdominal pain, cramping, or bloating. If these symptoms are usually relieved by passing a bowel movement, then this is an indication of something being wrong.  When these symptoms are directly tied to whenever you have to use the bathroom, then there might be a link to IBS and large intestine issues.
  2. Excess Gas. Sometimes, we all get gassy after eating something that our stomach doesn’t quite agree with. Maybe your weakness is chili, or maybe it is too much cheese. For some it could even be leafy greens, but in all of these cases there is a direct cause for the gas. When it comes to IBS, these symptoms do not always have a direct cause. If you have excessive gas, no matter what you ate for lunch, then you might be suffering from IBS.
  3. Diarrhea. We all know that diarrhea is a big sign of digestive distress. Sometimes food allergies or conditions like lactose intolerance can cause bouts of diarrhea, but just like with excess gas, if you are suffering from this on a frequent basis with no cause, then there might be something more causing it.
  4. Constipation. Often just as hazardous for someone’s digestive health is constipation. Not being able to have a bowel movement at all can be another symptom of IBS. It is always a good idea to consult a doctor if this is a persistent issue.
  5. Persistent Abdominal Pain that is not relieved by passing gas or a bowel movement. If your abdominal pain is chronic, and nothing seems t relieve it, then you might be having inflammation in your large intestines. This can be a symptom of IBS, and you should talk to your doctor if you are experiencing this.

Some of these symptoms are not considered emergent, and sometimes they go away. Even patients who have IBS can find that they have periods where their symptoms go away and they feel better. It is not always a chronic condition. But that doesn’t mean you can take IBS lightly. The signs of a serious IBS issue are:

  • Rapid weight loss
  • Diarrhea at night
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Iron deficiency anemia
  • Unexplained vomiting
  • Difficulty swallowing

If you begin to exhibit these symptoms, seek medical care. Our own Dr. Robert Holland says, “Irritable Bowel Syndrome is more common than people think and can often be tricky to diagnose. It’s important to make certain if you’re having any sudden and severe symptoms, like diarrhea, to be seen by an emergency physician to rule out other medial issues.” Seeking extra medical advice is always the best thing to do when facing persistent intestinal problems like IBS.

The Colony ER Hospital is available for free medical screenings to help you find the right healthcare plan for you. If you’re suffering from extreme IBS symptoms, then The Colony ER Hospital is always ready to help.

Nutex Health, Inc supports you and your family’s health. You can depend on The Colony Emergency Room Hospital or any one of our concierge-level, freestanding emergency facilities to deliver the emergency care you deserve, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

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