Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a chronic condition that often requires long-term treatment. 91����Ƶ Langone gastroenterologists, nutritionists, psychotherapists, and physiatrists—doctors who specialize in rehabilitation medicine—work together to treat the condition, control symptoms, and improve quality of life.

Follow-Up Visits

Throughout treatment for IBS, your doctors schedule periodic follow-up visits to assess how well treatment is working. As part of their evaluation, they rely on your description of symptoms and their severity. 

If symptoms do not improve after several weeks of treatment, your physician may recommend additional diagnostic tests to determine whether a condition other than IBS is causing your symptoms. 

Our experts provide continued care to help you maintain symptom relief for the long term. For many people, avoiding certain foods helps alleviate abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. Our gastroenterologists and nutritionists help you determine which foods may be causing your IBS symptoms. They modify their recommendations based on how your body responds. 

A variety of medications can help relieve IBS symptoms. Your physician may prescribe them based on your predominant symptoms and how they affect your quality of life. If your symptoms change, your physician can adjust the dosage or types of medication accordingly.

Mind–Body Wellness 

If reducing stress and anxiety is part of your treatment plan for IBS, 91����Ƶ Langone’s integrative health services may help. They include acupuncture, acupressure, and meditation, which can help to reduce stress and improve digestive health.