Gastroenterology Pearland, Houston, Bay City, Lake Jackson
Conditions
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders, affecting an estimated 10-15% of adults in the United States. Despite its prevalence, IBS remains a challenging condition that significantly impacts quality of life, causing chronic abdominal pain, bloating, and unpredictable bowel habits. At Your GI Center, our board-certified gastroenterologists provide comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment for IBS at three convenient Southeast Texas locations in Houston, Bay City, and Lake Jackson. With over 25 years of experience managing functional gastrointestinal disorders, we help patients regain control over their digestive health and improve their daily functioning.
IBS is classified as a functional gastrointestinal disorder, meaning it involves problems with how the gut and brain interact rather than structural abnormalities visible on imaging or endoscopy. While IBS does not cause permanent damage to the intestines or increase the risk of serious diseases like cancer, its symptoms can be debilitating and chronic. The condition typically begins in young adulthood and affects women more frequently than men, though people of any age or gender can develop IBS.
IBS is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain associated with changes in bowel habits. According to the Rome IV diagnostic criteria, IBS is diagnosed when patients experience abdominal pain at least one day per week over the past three months, associated with two or more of the following: pain related to defecation, change in stool frequency, or change in stool appearance. The condition is further classified into subtypes based on predominant bowel habits.
IBS with constipation (IBS-C) involves hard or lumpy stools more than 25% of the time and loose or watery stools less than 25% of the time. Patients with IBS-C experience infrequent bowel movements, straining, and a feeling of incomplete evacuation. IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D) is characterized by loose or watery stools more than 25% of the time and hard or lumpy stools less than 25% of the time. These patients have urgent, frequent bowel movements that can significantly disrupt daily activities. IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M) involves both hard and loose stools occurring more than 25% of the time. Some patients have unclassified IBS when their symptoms don’t fit neatly into these categories.
The exact cause of IBS remains incompletely understood, but research has identified several contributing factors. Altered gut motility, where the intestines contract either too quickly (leading to diarrhea) or too slowly (causing constipation), plays a central role. Visceral hypersensitivity, an increased sensitivity to pain and discomfort in the digestive tract, causes patients to perceive normal intestinal activity as painful. The gut-brain axis, the bidirectional communication between the digestive system and the central nervous system, is disrupted in IBS, with stress and emotions significantly affecting symptoms. Changes in the gut microbiome, the community of bacteria and other microorganisms in the intestines, have been observed in IBS patients. Some cases of IBS develop following a gastrointestinal infection, a phenomenon known as post-infectious IBS.
The location of abdominal pain often provides clues about its source:
IBS symptoms vary widely among patients but typically include abdominal pain or cramping that may be relieved by bowel movements. The pain is often described as cramping, sharp, or aching and may migrate to different areas of the abdomen. Bloating and abdominal distension are extremely common, with many patients reporting that their abdomen visibly swells as the day progresses. Changes in bowel habits, whether constipation, diarrhea, or alternating between the two, are defining features of IBS. Mucus in the stool may be present. Many patients experience a sense of incomplete evacuation after bowel movements.
Beyond gastrointestinal symptoms, IBS frequently coexists with other conditions. Anxiety and depression are more common in IBS patients than in the general population, and psychological stress often exacerbates symptoms. Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic pelvic pain, and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) occur with increased frequency in IBS
patients, suggesting shared underlying mechanisms.
The impact of IBS on quality of life can be profound. Unpredictable symptoms may cause patients to avoid social situations, travel, or activities where bath room access is uncertain. Work productivity and school attendance may suffer. The chronic nature of symptoms and lack of a definitive cure can lead to frustration and anxiety about health. Many patients have seen multiple healthcare providers before receiving an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
assess for alarm features that might suggest other conditions requiring different evaluation, such as unintended weight loss, rectal bleeding, iron deficiency anemia, family history of colon cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, or onset of symptoms after age 50.
A comprehensive physical examination is performed, including abdominal palpation to assess for tenderness, masses, or organomegaly. Initial laboratory testing typically includes complete blood count to screen for anemia or infection, inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein or fecal calprotectin) to help distinguish IBS from inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease screening (tissue transglutaminase antibody), and thyroid function tests, as thyroid disorders can mimic IBS symptoms.
Stool studies may be ordered to rule out infections, particularly in patients with predominant diarrhea. Colonoscopy is generally recommended for patients over age 45 (or younger with alarm features or strong family history) to screen
for colon cancer and rule out inflammatory bowel disease. In younger patients without alarm features, colonoscopy may not be necessary if symptoms are typical for IBS.
Specialized testing may be considered in select cases. Breath testing can identify small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) or lactose intolerance, conditions that can mimic or coexist with IBS. Wireless motility capsule or other motility studies may be helpful when severe constipation is present.
IBS treatment is highly individualized, as different patients respond to different interventions. At Your GI Center, we develop comprehensive treatment plans that address the multiple factors contributing to each patient’s symptoms.
Dietary modifications often provide significant symptom relief. The low FODMAP diet, which restricts fermentable carbohydrates that can trigger IBS symptoms, has strong evidence supporting its effectiveness. This diet is best implemented with guidance from a knowledgeable dietitian, as it involves an elimination phase followed by systematic reintroduction. Increasing soluble fiber intake can help with both constipation and diarrhea by normalizing stool consistency. Adequate hydration is important, particularly for patients with constipation. Identifying and avoiding individual trigger foods through a food diary can be valuable.
Medications are selected based on the predominant symptom pattern. For IBSC, osmotic laxatives like polyethylene glycol, prescription medications like linaclotide or plecanatide that increase intestinal fluid secretion, or lubiprostone may be beneficial. For IBS-D, antidiarrheal agents like loperamide, bile acid sequestrants if bile acid malabsorption is suspected, or prescription medications like eluxadoline or rifaximin (an antibiotic that targets gut bacteria) may be used. Antispasmodic medications can reduce abdominal cramping. Low-dose tricyclic antidepressants or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can reduce visceral pain and improve overall symptoms through effects on the gut brain axis, independent of their antidepressant effects.
Stress management and psychological therapies play an important role in IBS treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) specifically tailored for IBS has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life. Gut-directed hypnotherapy has strong evidence supporting its use in IBS. Mindfulness-based stress reduction and other relaxation techniques can help modulate the gut-brain axis. Regular physical activity has been shown to improve IBS symptoms and overall wellbeing.
Probiotics may benefit some IBS patients, though responses are variable and specific strains appear more effective than others. Our gastroenterologists can provide guidance on evidence-based probiotic use.
Why Choose
Managing IBS requires a gastroenterologist who listens carefully, takes symptoms seriously, and is willing to work collaboratively to find effective solutions. At Your GI Center, our board-certified physicians have extensive experience with functional gastrointestinal disorders and understand the significant impact IBS has on patients’ lives.
We take a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to IBS care, recognizing that successful treatment often requires addressing multiple factors including diet, medications, stress, and gut-brain interactions. We stay current with the latest research on IBS management and offer evidence-based treatments tailored to each patient’s symptom pattern and preferences.
With offices in Houston, Bay City, and Lake Jackson, we provide convenient access to specialized gastroenterology care throughout Southeast Texas. We accept most major insurance plans and work to make care accessible to all who need it.
If you are experiencing chronic abdominal pain, bloating, or changes in bowel habits that interfere with your daily life, we can help. Contact Your GI Center today to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified gastroenterologists.
To schedule your appointment, call 1-888-292-0010 or contact your preferred location: