Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a common functional disorder of the large intestine. It causes repeated abdominal pain along with changes in bowel habits, which can mean diarrhea, constipation, or a mix of both. IBS causes real discomfort, and it does not damage the intestines or raise the risk of colon cancer. Avita MD primary care providers diagnose and manage IBS for adults in Los Altos, Mountain View, and Los Gatos.

What are the symptoms of IBS?

The hallmark of IBS is abdominal pain or cramping that is often linked to bowel movements, along with a change in how often or how easily you go. Symptoms tend to come and go and can be brought on by certain foods, stress, or large meals.

• Repeated abdominal pain or cramping, often eased after a bowel movement
• Bloating and excess gas
• Diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between the two
• A feeling of incomplete emptying after a bowel movement
• Mucus in the stool

Common triggers vs. self-care

Common triggers	Self-care that helps
Fatty or fried foods	Choose smaller, lighter, more frequent meals
Caffeine and alcohol	Limit intake and stay well hydrated with water
High-FODMAP foods	Try a guided low-FODMAP approach and reintroduce slowly
Stress and anxiety	Use relaxation, regular exercise, and good sleep habits
Irregular eating patterns	Eat at consistent times and avoid skipping meals

How does Avita MD diagnose and treat IBS?

Diagnosis begins with your symptom history and a physical exam, using symptom-based criteria to recognize the IBS pattern. There is no single test for IBS, so on-site labs let your Avita MD provider run blood and stool tests to rule out other causes such as infection, celiac disease, or inflammatory bowel disease. Having phlebotomy in the office means fewer trips and faster answers.

Treatment is tailored to your specific pattern, whether that leans toward diarrhea, constipation, or both. A plan often combines dietary changes such as a guided low-FODMAP approach, stress management, fiber adjustments, probiotics, and medication when helpful. Same-day and next-day appointments mean you can be seen quickly when symptoms flare. Because IBS can change over time, your provider tracks how you respond and adjusts the plan at follow-up visits, giving you longitudinal care rather than a one-time fix. When symptoms point to something beyond IBS, Avita MD coordinates referrals to gastroenterology and arranges any further testing so the right next step happens without delay.

When should you see a doctor about IBS?

See a primary care provider if you have ongoing abdominal pain, bloating, or changes in bowel habits that interfere with daily life, or if over-the-counter remedies are not helping. Some symptoms are warning signs that need prompt evaluation because they can point to a different problem. Get medical care for unintended weight loss, rectal bleeding or black stools, anemia, fever, a family history of colon cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, or symptoms that begin after age 50. Persistent diarrhea, severe pain, or symptoms that wake you from sleep also deserve a closer look. When in doubt, reach out to your Avita MD provider so the cause can be identified and the right plan put in place.