Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a problem with the intestines that causes pain or discomfort in the stomach area. Pain may occur alone or with constipation or diarrhea. Other symptoms can include bloating, mucus in the stool, or a feeling that the bowel has not completely emptied. IBS is caused by problems with how the brain communicates with the digestive system, and stress and anxiety often make it worse. People suffering from IBS often find relief by trying various medications and sometimes by changing their diet.

UAB Medicine is known worldwide as a leading center for digestive and liver disorders. Our gastroenterology and gastrointestinal (GI) program is consistently ranked among the top programs of its kind in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. We see more than 20,000 patients and perform more than 12,000 outpatient procedures each year.

Our specialty at UAB has a notable history. The inventor of the endoscope, Basil Hirschowitz, MD, founded our program more than 50 years ago. His innovation revolutionized GI and other diagnoses around the world and continues to inspire us today. Our interventional endoscopy group, which includes endoscopic ultrasound, is one of the busiest in the country and has grown to become one of the most prestigious, both clinically and academically.

UAB continues to lead advancements in gastroenterology by participating in many research trials of promising drug therapies and other treatments for digestive disorders. Our physicians and scientists are searching for causes and cures for many GI illnesses through basic research, including studies of the bacteria that inhabit our intestines and affect our health.

Care Providers

Amanda Cartee, MD Gastroenterology Adam Edwards, MD Gastroenterology Anam Hameed, MD Gastroenterology Fayez Sarkis, MD Gastroenterology Frederick Weber, Jr., MD Gastroenterology

Resources

• UAB Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
• Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation
• NIH – Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• NIH – Ulcerative Colitis

Related Specialties

• Common Gastroenterology Conditions