Irritable bowel syndrome affects up to 15% of the U.S. population, making it one of the most common gastrointestinal conditions. Despite how widespread it is, IBS remains frequently misunderstood and undertreated. At Advanced Gastroenterology Group, we take IBS seriously — and we take a systematic, individualized approach to helping patients find real relief.
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What Is IBS?
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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder affecting 10–15% of the U.S. population. Unlike inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), IBS does not cause structural damage to the intestines — but it can profoundly affect quality of life. IBS is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain associated with changes in bowel habits.
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Types of IBS
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IBS-D (diarrhea-predominant): frequent loose stools, urgency, cramping
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IBS-C (constipation-predominant): infrequent, hard stools, bloating, straining
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IBS-M (mixed): alternating between diarrhea and constipation
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IBS-U (unclassified): symptoms that do not fit the above categories
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IBS Symptoms
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Recurrent abdominal pain or cramping that improves with a bowel movement
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Bloating and excessive gas
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Diarrhea, constipation, or alternating patterns
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Mucus in stool
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Sensation of incomplete bowel emptying
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Urgency — needing to reach a bathroom quickly​​
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What Causes IBS?
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The exact cause of IBS is not fully understood. Current research points to a combination of gut-brain axis dysfunction, altered gut motility, visceral hypersensitivity (heightened pain response), changes in the gut microbiome, and in some cases, post-infectious changes following a GI illness (post-infectious IBS). Stress and anxiety can worsen symptoms but do not cause IBS.
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Diagnosing IBS
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IBS is a clinical diagnosis based on the Rome IV criteria. However, our physicians rule out other conditions that can mimic IBS before confirming the diagnosis. Testing may include blood work (CBC, CMP, thyroid, celiac antibodies), stool tests, and hydrogen breath testing for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) — a condition that frequently co-occurs with IBS. Colonoscopy may be recommended in patients over 45 or those with alarm features.
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IBS Treatment
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Treatment is individualized and may include: dietary modifications (low-FODMAP diet, fiber adjustments, trigger food avoidance), prescription medications targeting predominant symptoms (antispasmodics, antidiarrheals, laxatives, gut-specific antibiotics like rifaximin for IBS-D), psychological therapies (gut-directed hypnotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy), and referral to our integrated nutrition program.
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Schedule an IBS Consultation in NJ — Call (908) 851-2770 or Schedule Online