WHERE’S THE BATHROOM???
When you walk into a restaurant, is the first thing you do figuring out where the bathroom is?- Do you know where all the bathrooms are located between your home and work?
- Do you get worried that people will notice how often you go to the bathroom or how long you are in there?
If you answered yes, it sounds likely you might have an ENHANCED GASTROCOLIC REFLEX, one of the hallmarks of irritable bowel syndrome. Everyone is born with the gastrocolic reflex: a reflex in which the simple act of eating stimulates movement or contractions in the large intestine. These contractions may lead to a bowel movement a short time after eating.
In irritable bowel syndrome the very act of eating or drinking can provoke an OVERREACTION of the gastrocolic response due to the heightened sensitivity of the nerves that supply the GI tract, and this can lead to abdominal cramping, diarrhea, or significant URGENCY to get the bathroom.
IBS patients with these symptoms may feel hopeless and frustrated by a lack of attention from their doctors or that is “all in their head”. This is a common experience for the 15% of the American population that suffers from IBS. Doctors know that thankfully IBS doesn’t increase your risk of surgery or cancer, but we also know that it can take a massive toll on your quality of life.
At Comprehensive Gastrointestinal Health want to give the best quality care that we know can make a lasting impact on this frustrating condition. There are so many new treatment options that work to help people with IBS that simply want to think about their gut less. Schedule a consultation now by calling 224.407.4400 or visiting compgihealth.com and we can help you try to achieve your wellness goals!