Gastroenterology and IBS

Struggles with the digestive system can cause major disruptions for many sufferers everyday life. If left untreated, some digestive issues can lead to more serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions. The brand of medicine that focuses on the digestive system and its accompanying disorders and diseases is called gastroenterology.

The digestive system and gastrointestinal tract start at the mouth, travels throughout the body to include the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, rectum, and anus. People who suffer from problems in this area see a gastrologist.

Some common conditions treated by gastrologists include the following: 

• Heartburn: Burning pain behind the chest that gets worse after meals or when lying down, especially right after eating. 

• Indigestion: Pain or burning in the upper abdomen. Indigestion could also cause heartburn, or the feeling of being uncomfortably full or bloated after eating. 

• Rectal bleeding: Symptoms include anal bleeding or anal fissures.

• Crohn’s disease: A type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that leads to pain in the abdominal area, fatigue, severe diarrhea, and weight loss.

• Ulcerative colitis: Rare IBD that causes inflammation in the large intestine and rectum. 

• GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease): A chronic disease in which the food pipe lining is irritated by acid or bile. GERD can cause heartburn or acid indigestion as well. 

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A common disorder that can cause pain, constipation, diarrhea, bloating and gas.  

More on IBS…

Although there is no test to conclusively diagnose IBS, doctors can use the process of elimination to diagnose the disorder and treat patients. One criterion a doctor may use is the frequency of symptoms. IBS is associated with abdominal pain that lasts at least one day a week in the last three months. They also need to be able to associate the pain or discomfort with a few factors, including an association with defecation, the frequency of defecation has changed, or stool consistency has changed.

Gastrologists may also recommend tests to confirm or eliminate IBS. These tests could include the following: 

• Colonoscopy: A small, flexible tube is inserted into the rectum to examine the entire colon.

• Upper Endoscopy: A long tube with a camera on the end is inserted down the throat and into the esophagus to examine the upper GI tract. A biopsy is taken from the small intestine to send to a lab for further examination. 

• CT scan: This test provides a picture of the abdomen and pelvis to check for blockages, polyps, or other obstructions. 

How Can Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Help IBS?

While there is no known cure for IBS, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can help reduce some of the conditions caused by IBS. 

Inflammation: HBOT acts as an anti-inflammatory by creating an oxygen-rich environment. This increases blood flow and can help to reduce swelling and pain, while encouraging the body to repair naturally.

Anemia: Some people with severe IBS can have rectal bleeding and ulcers which could lead to anemia. Severe anemia reduces the body’s ability to carry adequate oxygen-rich blood to vital organs and tissues. HBOT offers the ability to circulate more oxygen to the areas of the body that are experiencing inflammation. HBOT is also ideal for clients who may not be able to receive blood for various reasons.

At In Light Hyperbarics, we believe in the body’s ability to heal from the inside out. For our HBOT sessions, we offer several specialized hyperbaric chambers to meet the needs of our clients. Along with HBOT, we also provide light therapy and tissue regenerative therapy (TRT) as add-ons or standalone service options. We are here to help you with your IBS or any other condition, so you can feel better! 

Scheduling a consultation is easy! Visit us online or call (360) 953-5749.