IBS and GERD Clinic

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

At one time or another, all of us experience bouts of diarrhea or abdominal cramps.  These may be brought on by a “bug” that is going around, plain old nervousness or something you ate.  But what if irregular bowel habits last for months?  It is possible you have a condition called Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).  IBS is a common problem affecting some 20 million Americans of all ages, women twice as often as men.

Could you have IBS?

Symptoms that suggest IBS include:

• Intense stomach discomfort relieved by bowel movements and a change in frequency and consistency of bowel movements recurring for a least three months

• Straining, urgency or a sensation of incomplete evacuation during bowel movements

• Passage of mucus in the stool

• Bloating or gassiness

• Diarrhea or constipation, commonly alternating between the two

Because many of these symptoms are common to other, more serious conditions, it’s important to see your doctor if you are experiencing them.  A colon x-ray or colonoscopy may also be useful in helping a doctor diagnose IBS.

How can the IBS Education Clinic at ADC help you?

At the IBS Patient Education Clinic, you will be provided with education regarding treatment goals to relieve the symptoms and to restore the normal muscular contractions of the intestines.

• Dietary measures-we will help you identify the foods that trigger symptoms.

• Medication-medication may be suggested to help control diarrhea, constipation and/or bloating

• Stress reduction-suggestions on how to reduce tension and avoid stressful situations will be offered

• Smoking cessation-smoking makes IBS worse.  Rest assured that although IBS can be bothersome, it’s not a serious threat to your health.  With help, it can usually be controlled

• Visit with your primary care physician for follow-up

Embarrassment causes many people with IBS to suffer in silence.  The IBS Education Clinic at Amarillo Diagnostic Clinic can provide you with the information and treatment options that are available to you. 

What is GERD?

GERD stands for Gastroesophagael Reflux Disease which is a backflow of acid from the stomach into the esophagus. The symptoms of GERD can also be seen in other conditions. Some of these conditions can be life threatening. Heart attacks, blood clots in the lungs and aneurysms, for example, can be difficult to distinguish from GERD. It is important to see your doctor so you can be properly diagnosed.  Longstanding, severe GERD can lead to changes in the esophagus that can result in difficulty swallowing. In some instances, precancerous changes can occur with longstanding, severe GERD.  Ask your doctor which treatment method is best for you.

Symptoms of GERD include:

• Heartburn (rising burning sensation behind the breastbone)

• Sour contents in the mouth

• Difficult and/or painful swallowing

• Chest pain

Reasons for GERD include:

• Being overweight

• Overeating

• Consuming specific foods (citrus, peppermint, chocolate, fatty and spicy foods)

• Drinking caffeine

• Drinking alcohol

• Smoking cigarettes

How can the GERD Educational clinic at ADC help?

Thankfully, GERD can be managed quite well and our board certified gastroenterologists will help you develop a treatment plan that may include the following:

• Lifestyle modification such as dietary changes or changes in your daily routine (certain foods or medications can aggravate GERD)

• Position plays a key role in controlling reflux.  Maintaining an upright posture after a meal can be helpful in preventing reflux

• Maintaining an ideal weight can help prevent pressure to the stomach

• Discussion on prescription medications and/or surgery