Identifying Culprits: 5 Structural Conditions I rule out in my Adelaide Gut Clinic with IBS patients

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a complex gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits. While its exact cause remains elusive, I work with my naturopathic patients to identify any possible underlying causes. Structural conditions can be one type of underlying cause of your IBS symptoms, and when missed can lead to inadequate treatment. In this article, we delve into five structural conditions I rule out for my IBS patients Australia wide: hiatal hernia, diverticulitis, abdominal adhesions, hypermobility, and redundant bowel.

1. Hiatal Hernia

A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach bulges through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. While it primarily manifests as symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation, it can still include symptoms of abdominal discomfort and bloating. Diagnostic imaging techniques like barium swallow studies or endoscopy aid in ruling out hiatal hernias, allowing me to focus on specific herbal and nutrient support for this condition.

2. Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis, the inflammation or infection of small pouches in the digestive tract, typically presents with symptoms like lower abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits. These symptoms overlap with those of IBS, making it imperative to differentiate between the two conditions. Imaging studies such as computed tomography (CT) scans or x-rays or a colonoscopy can help identify this condition.

3. Abdominal Adhesions

Abdominal adhesions are bands of scar tissue that form between the abdominal wall and organs and stick them together meaning there is less movement. They can occur after surgery or due to inflammatory conditions like endometriosis or adenomyosis. Patients with adhesions can have all the hallmark symptoms of IBS and leave you open to developing SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth too).

4. Hypermobility

Joint hypermobility syndrome, characterized by excessive joint flexibility, can be associated with gastrointestinal symptoms akin to those of IBS. The laxity of connective tissues can affect the functionality of the digestive tract, leading to abdominal discomfort and irregular bowel habits, and also be another underlying cause of SIBO. Clinical evaluation focusing on joint mobility, along with specialized tests with a physio, aids in excluding hypermobility as a primary contributor to gastrointestinal symptoms in IBS patients.

5. Redundant Bowel

Redundant bowel, also known as redundant, loopy, or tortuous colon, refers to an abnormally long and twisted colon. While this anatomical variation is usually asymptomatic, it can lead to bloating and irregular bowel movements. Diagnostic modalities such as colonoscopy or barium enema help visualize the colon's anatomy, enabling the clinician to identify the extra long and loopy bowel. Then I work with patients on supporting them with specific fibres, herbs, and probiotics.

In my clinic, Tummy Rescue – Digestive Health Clinic I help patients Australia-wide uncover the underlying causes of their irritable bowel syndrome and one area we investigate is structural issues. Some patients have multiple causes but once these are uncovered I can support them, resolve their symptoms, and address the underlying causes with the right naturopathic support and referral team that they need.

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A bit about me!

 I am Danielle Elliott a qualified Naturopath and the owner of Tummy Rescue.

I have been helping kids & adults improve their health for over 16 years, with the last 11 years concentrating on helping patients with any kind of gut disorder. I began focussing on everything gut related after my husband was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. And lucky I did……as my husband and both our kids have Coeliac Disease and my daughter has a dairy allergy.

So…. I am well and truly where I am meant to be!

I love being able to help people to soothe and calm their symptoms, investigate the causes and support and improve their gut function.

I also get to write educational pieces to train practitioners and am often interviewed for podcasts and summits, which is another really rewarding part of my work. I love educating people (this is something I do in every consult), because I do believe knowledge is power. It gives you the tools to make the changes you need to!

So, when you opt-in to my E-book, you are beginning on a journey of learning and discovery, of how you can reduce your symptoms of bloating, gas & pain and improve your gut health.

I would be honoured to help you along the way.

Danielle xoxo