Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Everyone experiences a little bowel upset from time to time. But when you have chronic problems with diarrhea, constipation or bloating, you may have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Our expert doctors can accurately diagnose your IBS and provide targeted treatments to help lessen flare-ups.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Care at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital: Why Choose Us

Our skilled physicians excel at telling the difference between IBS and other conditions, like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. An accurate diagnosis puts you on track to receive the right care when it will make the biggest difference.

We offer personalized care in a convenient location. Our care also includes:

Focused care: Our physicians treat your IBS symptoms, not textbook symptoms.
Access to new drugs and procedures: Our Washington University physicians may offer you access to clinical research studies for irritable bowel syndrome.
Easy access: Pull into our spacious, free parking lot from either Olive Boulevard or North Mason Road.

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. Each person may experience IBS differently, which is why our physicians tailor treatment to your specific situation.

Is it Irritable Bowel Syndrome...or Something Else?

The signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can mimic those of more serious conditions, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

Receiving a timely, accurate diagnosis is the key to successfully treating whatever is causing your bowel symptoms. Our expert physicians of Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital include doctors who specialize in inflammatory bowel diseases, as well as IBS. They can help you get a diagnosis and personalized therapy.

What are the Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Everyone experiences occasional diarrhea or constipation. When these conditions linger for more than three months, it may signal irritable bowel syndrome. You may also experience:

Abdominal pain
Altered bowel habits

How is Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diagnosed?

If you have symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, you need an accurate diagnosis that rules out other, more serious conditions. Our gastroenterologists use their decades of experience and these techniques to assess your condition and arrive at a diagnosis:

Detailed personal medical history: We evaluate your bowel habits and determine potential triggers for bowel problems.
Dietary evaluation: This helps rule out food allergies or enzyme deficiencies (such as lactase deficiency) as a cause of your symptoms.
Blood tests: We will check for celiac disease and other potential conditions.
Colonoscopy: This procedure is sometimes needed, but not in every patient with IBS. Colonoscopy allows your doctor to view the inside of your bowels and check for inflammation. Learn more about colonoscopy at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital.