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Health Matters: Providence St. Mary Medical Center | 9 I rritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is among the latest health trends to take TikTok by storm. Since 2021, videos with the hashtag #IBStiktok and others like it have received hundreds of millions of views, part of an ongoing effort to increase awareness of the disorder and help normalize conversations about it. But the health trend also has prompted millions of users to "self- diagnose," or attempt to identify their own medical conditions, based on information found online or through social media. "With a plethora of information readily accessible, self-diagnosing after experiencing a few symptoms may seem harmless," says Thomas Nguyen, MD, gastroenterologist at Providence St. Mary Medical Center. "However, without seeing an expert, patients could exacerbate their condition or unknowingly delay treatment for a much more serious, chronic disease." IBS is a common disorder that affects about one in 20 Americans. It manifests in the gastrointestinal tract, specifically the stomach and intestines, and is more common among women. People with IBS often experience symptoms such as: • abdominal pain • bloating • changes in appearance and frequency of bowel movements • constipation • cramping • diarrhea • gas Foods high in lactose or fructose can make symptoms worse. Additionally, anxiety, depression, lack of sleep and stress can trigger IBS. Dr. Nguyen says that if you're experiencing these symptoms consistently for more than three months or if you have a sudden, extreme change in your symptoms (e.g., acute abdominal pain or severe or sudden diarrhea), it's time to see a gastroenterologist—a doctor specializing in conditions of the bowels, liver and pancreas. Other conditions with similar symptoms include inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancer, celiac disease and diverticulitis, so getting a proper diagnosis is important. While there isn't a diagnostic test for IBS, there is a specific set of standards that needs to be met for diagnosis. Your doctor will perform a physical exam to assess your symptoms and may order additional tests, such as a stool sample, colonoscopy or even a lactose intolerance test, to rule out other, more serious conditions. Lifestyle changes like increased exercise and sleep, as well as diet modifications, can help, but you don't need to figure it out on your own. Find a gastroenterologist near you to discover lasting relief for IBS. Visit providence.org/services/ gastroenterology for more information. Dr. Thomas Nguyen Tummy Trouble Goes Viral Why you should see an expert for IBS instead of self-diagnosing

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