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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Are Constipation And Frequent Bowel Movements Symptoms Of Irritable Bowel Movement?

I have bowel constipation treated with miralax and citracel and bowel frequency, sometimes with gas. I have consulted with a gastroenterologist but haven't received specific answers to the questions below. Do these symptoms mean I have irritable bowel syndrome? I was advised by relative with similar problems to eat no dairy products and no apples! This seems extreme and unreasonable. . Thank you!
Wed, 22 Aug 2018
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General Surgeon 's  Response
Hello ,

There are no specific lab tests that can diagnose IBS. Your doctor may run tests to rule out conditions such as:

1-Food allergies or intolerances, such as lactose intolerance and poor dietary habits
2-Medications such as high blood pressure drugs, iron, and certain antacids
3-Infection
4-Enzyme deficiencies where the pancreas isn't releasing enough enzymes to properly digest or break down food
5-Inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.
Your doctor may do some of the following tests to decide if you have IBS:

1-Flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy to look for signs of blockage or inflammation in your intestines.
2-Upper endoscopy if you have heartburn or indigestion.
3-X-rays.
4-Blood tests to look for anemia (too few red blood cells), thyroid problems, and signs of infection.
5-Stool tests for blood or infections.
6-Tests for lactose intolerance, gluten allergy, or celiac disease.

Many things can trigger IBS symptoms, including certain foods, medicines, the presence of gas or stool, and emotional stress. You’ll need to learn what your triggers are. You may need to make some lifestyle changes and take medication.

1-Avoid caffeine (in coffee, teas, and sodas).
2-Add more fiber to your diet with foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts.
3-Drink at least three to four glasses of water per day.
4-Don't smoke.
5-Learn to relax, either by getting more exercise or by reducing stress in your life.
6-Limit how much milk or cheese you eat.
7-Eat smaller meals more often instead of big meals.
8-Keep a record of the foods you eat so you can figure out which foods bring on bouts of IBS.

Common food "triggers" are red peppers, green onions, red wine, wheat, and cow's milk. If you're concerned about getting enough calcium, you can try to get it from other foods, like broccoli, spinach, turnip greens, tofu, yogurt, sardines, salmon with bones, calcium-fortified orange juice and breads, or calcium supplements. And also consult your physician for further medical treatment.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
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Are Constipation And Frequent Bowel Movements Symptoms Of Irritable Bowel Movement?

Hello , There are no specific lab tests that can diagnose IBS. Your doctor may run tests to rule out conditions such as: 1-Food allergies or intolerances, such as lactose intolerance and poor dietary habits 2-Medications such as high blood pressure drugs, iron, and certain antacids 3-Infection 4-Enzyme deficiencies where the pancreas isn t releasing enough enzymes to properly digest or break down food 5-Inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis or Crohn s disease. Your doctor may do some of the following tests to decide if you have IBS: 1-Flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy to look for signs of blockage or inflammation in your intestines. 2-Upper endoscopy if you have heartburn or indigestion. 3-X-rays. 4-Blood tests to look for anemia (too few red blood cells), thyroid problems, and signs of infection. 5-Stool tests for blood or infections. 6-Tests for lactose intolerance, gluten allergy, or celiac disease. Many things can trigger IBS symptoms, including certain foods, medicines, the presence of gas or stool, and emotional stress. You’ll need to learn what your triggers are. You may need to make some lifestyle changes and take medication. 1-Avoid caffeine (in coffee, teas, and sodas). 2-Add more fiber to your diet with foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts. 3-Drink at least three to four glasses of water per day. 4-Don t smoke. 5-Learn to relax, either by getting more exercise or by reducing stress in your life. 6-Limit how much milk or cheese you eat. 7-Eat smaller meals more often instead of big meals. 8-Keep a record of the foods you eat so you can figure out which foods bring on bouts of IBS. Common food triggers are red peppers, green onions, red wine, wheat, and cow s milk. If you re concerned about getting enough calcium, you can try to get it from other foods, like broccoli, spinach, turnip greens, tofu, yogurt, sardines, salmon with bones, calcium-fortified orange juice and breads, or calcium supplements. And also consult your physician for further medical treatment. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.