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Animation - Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome

This animation provides an overview of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a chronic condition that causes abdominal pain and discomfort associated with changes in bowel habits. Watch to learn about symptoms, causes, risk factors, and different types of IBS. You can also learn about possible complications of IBS, why it is difficult to detect, and how IBS is different from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A healthcare provider can help you manage IBS with the latest information and treatments. They can help you see a specialist if needed. Working with your healthcare provider is the best way to get the care you need.

Slide Show - Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome

This slide show provides an overview of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a chronic condition that causes abdominal pain and discomfort associated with changes in bowel habits. You can learn about symptoms, causes, risk factors, and different types of IBS. You can also learn about possible complications of IBS, why it is difficult to detect, and how IBS is different from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A healthcare provider can help you manage IBS with the latest information and treatments. They can help you see a specialist if needed. Working with your healthcare provider is the best way to get the care you need.

Expert Video - What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Shanti Eswaran, MD, an expert in gastroenterology and internal medicine at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, describes irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. She discusses the most common symptoms of IBS, including abdominal pain, discomfort, constipation, and diarrhea, as well as the different types of IBS and how common irritable bowel syndrome is around the globe.

Expert Video - What causes irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? How does IBS start?

Jordan Shapiro, MD, MS, a gastroenterologist who specializes in diagnosing and treating irritable bowel syndrome, discusses some possible causes of IBS, including food poisoning, stress, food intolerances and the role of genetics. Dr. Shapiro also talks about the potential effects of changes in gut bacteria, the use of antibiotics, and even the presence of mood disorders that can affect the development of irritable bowel syndrome.

Expert Video - What are the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Dr. Shanti Eswaran, an expert on irritable bowel syndrome and the gut-brain connection, describes the symptoms of IBS that accompany pain or discomfort, and changes in bowel movement habits, such as bloating, gas, fatigue, mucus in bowel movements. She also discusses symptoms that happen in relation to eating, fasting, or consuming specific foods.

Expert Video - What are the risk factors for IBS?

Dr. Jordan Shapiro, an expert on irritable bowel syndrome, talks about risk factors for IBS, including younger age, having a family member with IBS, and being a biological woman. Gastrointestinal infections, trauma, life stressors, and PTSD or mood disorders can also play a role in IBS risk. Dr. Shapiro briefly discusses that irritable bowel syndrome is not "all in your head" even if it originated with a traumatic event.

Expert Video - What are the possible complications of IBS?

Shanti Eswaran, MD, an expert in functional gastrointestinal disorders, describes the possible complications of IBS. While IBS does not lead to irritable bowel disease (IBD) or colorectal cancer, complications of irritable bowel syndrome can affect your quality of life and keep you from living the way you want to. Dr. Eswaran discusses some other diseases that may accompany IBS.

Expert Video - Why is IBS difficult to diagnose? What other conditions can look like IBS?

Jordan Shapiro, MD, MS, talks about the challenges of diagnosing irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. A skilled gastroenterologist can use a careful medical history and physical examination, along with select tests as needed, to diagnose IBS. While other disorders such as endometriosis, irritable bowel disease (IBD) and celiac disease can cause similar symptoms to IBS, Dr. Shapiro discusses how careful evaluation can distinguish these conditions and give a reliable diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome.

Expert Video - Can IBS cause IBD or cancer?

Irritable bowel syndrome expert Dr. Shanti Eswaran discusses whether IBS can lead to cancer or irritable bowel disease (IBD). She discusses the differences that can be seen with a colonoscopy, as well as how different gastrointestinal disorders can exist together. Dr. Eswaran shares what signs to tell your doctor about, including any bleeding, weight loss, or new abdominal or bowel symptoms.

Patient Video - Amy’s story: How did you find out you had irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and how was it diagnosed?

Amy describes the symptoms and experiences she had leading up to her diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). She says understanding and accepting she had IBS was a lengthy journey, as she sought help from many healthcare providers to address her ongoing symptoms (episodes of abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea) and had many tests. Finally knowing her diagnosis gave her hope and relief.

Patient Video - Amy’s story: What advice do you have for others on their journey with IBS?

Amy shares advice for others who are on their journey with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). She encourages others to become their own advocate and emphasizes the importance of finding healthcare providers you feel comfortable with to be part of your support team. She says there will be challenges and it will take time, but you can get your quality of life back.

Patient Video - Lisa’s story: How did you find out you had irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and how was it diagnosed?

Lisa describes the experiences, symptoms, and delays she had leading up to her diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D). She talks about the challenges of finding personalized recommendations at the beginning of her diagnosis, and the frustrations of having to go it alone. She also discusses her gluten intolerance, testing for celiac disease, challenges with prescription medications, and how she manages her IBS through nutrition and diet.

Patient Video - Lisa's story: What advice do you have for others on their journey with IBS?

Lisa shares advice for others who are on their journey with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Her key message is to give yourself grace and take one day at a time. She also talks about the importance of sharing what you are going through with your support team, which can help lessen anxiety as you navigate the day-to-day management of IBS.

Animation - Diagnosing Irritable Bowel Syndrome

This animation explains the tests that healthcare providers use to diagnose irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), how to prepare for an IBS evaluation with your healthcare provider, and alarm signs that could indicate a serious condition other than IBS. It's important to remember that IBS can often be diagnosed without extensive testing. Tell your healthcare provider about all your symptoms, even if they seem embarrassing. If you have alarm signs, seeing a healthcare provider as soon as possible is important. Learning more and talking with your provider are important steps toward better health.

Slide Show - Diagnosing Irritable Bowel Syndrome

This slide show explains the tests that healthcare providers use to diagnose irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), how to prepare for an IBS evaluation with your healthcare provider, and alarm signs that could indicate a serious condition other than IBS. It's important to remember that IBS can often be diagnosed without extensive testing. Tell your healthcare provider about all your symptoms, even if they seem embarrassing. If you have alarm signs, seeing a healthcare provider as soon as possible is important. Learning more and talking with your provider are important steps toward better health.

Expert Video - How is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) diagnosed?

Dr. Jordan Shapiro, an expert on diagnosing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), discusses how chronic symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, and changes in bowel movement habits can reveal this condition. What are the Rome criteria? What information should you take to your doctor to help them diagnose IBS? Dr. Shapiro discusses these, as well as how to feel less embarrassed talking about bowel movements and how writing down your symptoms can help your doctor diagnose IBS.

Expert Video - What alarm signs could indicate a serious condition other than IBS?

Dr. Shanti Eswaran, an expert in irritable bowel syndrome, discusses alarm signs or red flags that could indicate a condition other than IBS. She describes how signs ranging from bloody or dark-colored stools, accompanied by fevers, weight loss, night sweats, nocturnal bowel symptoms, anemia, and swollen lymph nodes, may suggest another condition other than IBS. If you experience any of these alarm signs, Dr. Eswaran emphasizes the importance of telling your doctor about them so additional tests can be done to rule out other conditions other than IBS.

Expert Video - Why is IBS difficult to diagnose?

Jordan Shapiro, MD, MS, a gastroenterologist and irritable bowel syndrome expert, discusses the factors that can make IBS difficult to diagnose from both a patient and healthcare perspective. Some patients with IBS may not seek help from a healthcare provider, while some providers may not have the confidence or expertise to diagnose IBS. Finding a provider who is familiar with the criteria for diagnosing IBS can help avoid unnecessary testing. Although IBS can be difficult to diagnose, an accurate diagnosis is possible and will allow patients to move forward with treatment.

Expert Video - What tests do I need for IBS?

Shanti Eswaran, MD, an expert in functional gut-brain disorders, talks about how testing can help a doctor make the diagnosis of IBS. In fact, multiple tests are often unnecessary, as your medical history and physical symptoms can let an experienced doctor know if you need testing for celiac disease, infections, and other possible causes of your symptoms. IBS is usually diagnosed by symptoms and the Rome criteria used by gastroenterologists.

Expert Video - What are the next steps after an IBS diagnosis?

Irritable bowel syndrome expert Jordan Shapiro, MD, MS, talks about the importance of personalizing IBS treatment for each person. He discusses the various effective treatment options for IBS, including medication, diet modification, and other lifestyle changes. He also discusses the importance of being open to different ways of treating IBS and combining treatment options to start feeling better after an IBS diagnosis.

Patient Video - Amy's story: What diagnostic tests did you have for IBS? What was your experience like?

Amy discusses the range of diagnostic tests she had leading up to her diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). She also talks about her experiences and some of the frustrations she had on the journey towards her diagnosis.

Patient Video - Amy's story: What has been the biggest challenge for you with your IBS?

Amy discusses what her biggest challenges have been living with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). She talks about her personal challenges, picking the right food to eat and adjusting her diet accordingly, and the overall impact on her quality of life.

Patient Video - Lisa's story: What was your IBS diagnosis journey like?

Lisa discusses some of the experiences she had during her irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) diagnosis journey. She discusses the challenges of finding guidance at the beginning of her diagnosis. Looking back, she wishes she's had a team in place that could have provided her with personalized guidance.

Animation - Managing and Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome

This animation provides an overview of what you can do to manage and treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is managed with a combination of diet, medications, and other treatments. Watch to learn about the importance of working with a registered dietician to develop a personalized nutrition plan to reduce IBS attacks. A nutrition plan may include trying a low-FODMAP diet. You can also learn about IBS treatments such as fiber, supplements, peppermint oil, prescription-only medications, and investigational treatments being studied in clinical trials. Cognitive behavioral therapy and hypnotherapy have been shown to help. Each person's IBS is different, so your treatment should be personalized to you and your symptoms.

Slide Show - Managing and Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome

This slide show provides an overview of what you can do to manage and treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is managed with a combination of diet, medications, and other treatments. You can learn about the importance of working with a registered dietician to develop a personalized nutrition plan to reduce IBS attacks. A nutrition plan may include trying a low-FODMAP diet. You can also learn about IBS treatments such as fiber, supplements, peppermint oil, prescription-only medications, and investigational treatments being studied in clinical trials. Cognitive behavioral therapy and hypnotherapy have been shown to help. Each person's IBS is different, so your treatment should be personalized to you and your symptoms.

Expert Video - Do I need medical attention, or can I manage IBS on my own?

Shanti Eswaran, MD, discusses whether you need regular medical attention or can manage the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome on your own once you have an IBS diagnosis. She talks about how IBS can affect quality of life, as well as how a specialist can help in understanding and managing the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome that affect daily activities.

Expert Video - How is IBS managed and treated?

Gastroenterologist Jordan Shapiro, MD, MS, describes the landscape of IBS treatment modalities that can help you take your life back from irritable bowel syndrome. Dr. Shapiro discusses the role for exercise, sleep, dietary therapy, and IBS medications in helping to manage symptoms. The gut-brain connection is key in treating irritable bowel syndrome, and your healthcare provider can even help you find new digital options to manage IBS symptoms.

Expert Video - What role does diet play in managing IBS?

Shanti Eswaran, MD, professor of gastroenterology and internal medicine, talks about the role diet plays in managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). She explains that symptoms in patients can be triggered by different foods and drinks so developing a personalized nutrition plan can make a difference in IBS management. Dr. Eswaran recommends keeping track of what foods and drinks are consumed while working with your healthcare provider to look for specific dietary triggers of IBS symptoms. She notes that there is no "one size fits all" strategy and to avoid dietary plans that claim to cure IBS.

Expert Video - What is a nutrition plan for IBS?

What is the best way to eat if you have IBS? Are there foods you should eliminate or avoid? Jordan Shapiro, MD, MS, a gastroenterologist and irritable bowel syndrome expert, explains what a nutrition plan for IBS is and how a registered dietitian who understands IBS can help you create a personal plan to feel better. This may include trying a low-FODMAP diet. Dr. Shapiro discusses the importance of talking with your doctor before trying any of the popular food elimination diets, because these can have hidden health risks or even make symptoms of IBS worse.

Expert Video - How can I manage my bloating with IBS?

Shanti Eswaran, MD, a gastroenterologist specializing in functional gut-brain disorders, discusses the discomfort of bloating in IBS, including abdominal distention or an uncomfortable feeling of fullness. She reassures patients that there is help for bloating with IBS, including through working with a registered dietitian who understands the role nutrition can play in gut sensitivity.

Expert Video - What medicines are available to treat IBS?

What are the best medications for irritable bowel syndrome? Gastroenterologist Jordan Shapiro, MD, MS, discusses different medications for specific types of IBS. Medications can help with diarrhea, constipation, irregular bowel habits, and more. Dr. Shapiro also talks about "off-label" medications for irritable bowel syndrome and the research doctors can use to manage IBS with medications.

Expert Video - What non-drug treatments are available for IBS?

Can you manage IBS without drugs? Shanti Eswaran, MD, is a gastroenterologist who specializes in the gut-brain interaction. She discusses the role that stress, anxiety, and even anticipation of IBS symptoms can play in making irritable bowel syndrome worse. Learn if hypnosis or cognitive behavioral therapy can help IBS, and how over-the-counter irritable bowel syndrome products and supplements may or may not help.

Expert Video - Are there clinical trials for IBS? Can I participate in new research?

Jordan Shapiro, MD, MS, is an expert on irritable bowel syndrome. He discusses the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders' listing of clinical trials for IBS diagnosis and treatment, and how participating in new research on irritable bowel syndrome can help you discover new treatments for your own and other patients' symptoms. New drugs are being developed for IBS in an increasing number of clinical trials.

Expert Video - How can I improve my quality of life with IBS?

Shanti Eswaran, MD, is an expert on irritable bowel syndrome and the gut-brain interaction. She discusses how IBS can affect quality of life, the difference that lifestyle modifications can make for IBS symptoms, and the importance of sleep, exercise, and mental health support in improving your quality of life with IBS. She recommends using a reliable source of information, such as the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders, when seeking IBS information online.

Expert Video - What should I do if my doctor tells me IBS is “all in my head”?

Is IBS all in your head? Shanti Eswaran, MD, is an expert on the gut-brain connection and irritable bowel syndrome. She explains the importance of finding a healthcare provider who can acknowledge the role of mental health and stress in digestive disorders. Jordan Shapiro, MD, MS, a gastroenterologist and IBS expert, discusses the importance of acknowledging symptoms that do not show up on tests, as well as the limitations of some tests in irritable bowel syndrome.

Patient Video - Amy’s story: What successes and challenges have you had with managing and treating your IBS?

Amy describes the successes and challenges she has experienced with managing and treating her irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Some of the challenges she faced were acknowledging she had IBS and finding the right healthcare support team. Getting through these challenges enabled her to manage her IBS successfully.

Patient Video - Lisa's story: What successes and challenges have you had with managing and treating your IBS?

Lisa discusses the successes and challenges she has had with the management of her irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). She talks about the successes she has had with the FODMAP diet and her experiences with the elimination and reintroduction of foods. Lisa also discusses the limitations of her diet due to her gluten intolerance and allergies to plant-based proteins and shares that she is concerned about the long-term effects of her restricted diet.

Patient Video - Lisa's story: What has been the biggest challenge for you with your IBS?

Lisa describes the biggest challenge she has had living with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). She is not able to take over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medications due to her allergies, so she manages her irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) through nutrition, carefully picking the right foods to eat and the right times to eat. She discusses with Dr. Shapiro how her restrictive diet runs the risk of disordered eating as she tries her best to avoid food-related triggers and manage symptoms and quality of life.

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