IBS Treatments NYC - Dr. John Salerno

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Medical Treatments by Salerno Wellness in Manhattan, NY and Connecticut

I know how frustrating and exhausting Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can be. You're not alone in feeling like your digestive health controls your life. My goal is to get to the root cause of your symptoms and improve your quality of life using functional, integrative, and complementary treatment options. Together, we'll create a personalized plan to help you regain control of your health and enjoy life without the constant worries associated with IBS.  

-Dr. John Salerno

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)? 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that affects the large intestine. It manifests through a variety of symptoms, primarily connected to abdominal pain and irregular bowel habits, like constipation and diarrhea. Despite its prevalence, IBS does not cause permanent damage to the intestines, nor does it increase the risk of more severe illnesses. There are typically no identifiable structural abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract with IBS, which can make diagnosis challenging. 

This condition is classified as a "functional gastrointestinal disorder," meaning it affects how the bowel works without showing any physical causes. Many people with IBS also report experiencing mood-related challenges, such as anxiety or depression, as the disease often interferes with their day-to-day life. While exact causes remain uncertain, factors such as diet, stress, and gut sensitivity appear to play a significant role. Symptoms of IBS can vary widely among individuals, often requiring tailored treatments.  

Common Symptoms of IBS

Understanding common IBS symptoms can guide you toward receiving the treatment you need. Symptoms might fluctuate in severity and can often worsen due to specific triggers like food or stress. 

• Abdominal Pain or Cramping - This is one of the hallmark symptoms of IBS. Pain levels can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that disrupts daily activities. It usually occurs alongside changes in bowel movements, improving after passing stool or gas. 

• Bloating - Many IBS patients report a persistent feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen. Bloating can be so severe that it makes clothing feel tighter and contributes to overall discomfort throughout the day. 

• Diarrhea - Frequent, watery bowel movements are a common feature for those with diarrhea-predominant IBS. Episodes of diarrhea can come without warning, making social and work environments particularly stressful.

• Constipation - Alternately, some IBS sufferers struggle with constipation, characterized by infrequent or hard-to-pass stools. This can lead to feelings of incomplete evacuation and abdominal strain.

• Gas - Excessive flatulence is another common symptom that frequently accompanies bloating and abdominal discomfort. It might result from sensitivity to specific food groups or poor digestion. 

• Mucus in Stool - Some individuals notice a clear or whitish mucus in their stool, which is another hallmark of IBS. While the presence of mucus alone is not alarming, it's often seen in conjunction with other IBS symptoms. 

Common Causes of IBS

The exact cause of IBS is unclear, but several factors often contribute to its development. The brain-gut connection plays a significant role; stress and emotional health directly impact digestive processes. Overactive gut muscles are another known factor, where abnormal muscle contractions in the intestines lead to symptoms like diarrhea or constipation. 

A heightened sensitivity in the gut may cause individuals to perceive normal digestive activities, like gas or stool movement, as painful or severe. Alterations in gut bacteria, referred to as "gut dysbiosis," can contribute by disrupting the balance needed for digestive health. Diet is another critical factor; certain foods, such as fatty meals, artificial sweeteners, or gluten, can exacerbate symptoms. 

Some individuals develop IBS after experiencing a bacterial infection in the intestine, known as post-infectious IBS. Food intolerances due to enzyme deficiencies also play a role for some sufferers. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly in women, often exacerbate symptoms, further complicating its management. 

Related Medical Conditions That Can Be Treated at Salerno Wellness

IBS doesn't exist in isolation. It often overlaps with other medical conditions, many of which can also be treated under functional and integrative care. 

• Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) - This condition involves an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine, contributing heavily to bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Treating SIBO can reduce IBS-like symptoms significantly. 

• Leaky Gut Syndrome - Increased intestinal permeability allows harmful substances like toxins and undigested food particles to enter the bloodstream, triggering abdominal discomfort and systemic inflammation. 

• Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBDs) - Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis may share similar symptoms with IBS, but tailored treatments can address the root inflammation. 
  

If stress or anxiety appears to worsen your IBS symptoms, functional treatments incorporating stress management can make a measurable difference in your quality of life. Patients with a long history of ineffective treatments or unexplained flares may find hope through my expertise, especially if you're looking to reduce your dependence on medications. 

How Conventional Medicine Treats IBS 

Conventional IBS treatment typically centers on symptom relief. One common option is medication targeting diarrhea, like loperamide, or laxatives for constipation. Doctors may also prescribe antispasmodics to relax intestinal muscles or antidepressants to manage the neural pathways between the brain and the gut. While these can offer temporary relief, they do not address the underlying causes of IBS. 

How Dr. John Salerno Treats IBS 

My approach emphasizes understanding your body as a whole. Using functional and integrative principles, I tailor treatments to address hormonal imbalances, digestive issues, and emotional health. Unlike conventional approaches, I focus on identifying triggers such as food intolerances or gut dysbiosis. For many, IV therapies or specific probiotic regimens restore gut health at a cellular level. Stress management plays a critical role; practices like biofeedback or mindfulness are often integral to your treatment plan. 

Possible Side Effects of Treatment 

While functional treatments are designed to minimize adverse effects, some therapies may cause mild symptoms like bloating or fatigue as your body adjusts. Temporary detoxification reactions are also possible, typically indicating that your gut flora is balancing itself. 

What Can Happen if IBS is Left Untreated?

Leaving Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) untreated can lead to a variety of negative consequences, both physical and emotional, that significantly affect quality of life. Symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel habits can become more severe and frequent over time, disrupting daily activities. Persistent symptoms may also contribute to nutritional deficiencies caused by poor digestion or restrictive eating habits aimed at avoiding triggers. This can lead to fatigue, weakened immunity, and other health issues tied to insufficient nutrient absorption. 

Untreated IBS often takes a toll on mental health, with many individuals experiencing heightened anxiety, depression, or social isolation due to the unpredictable nature of their condition. The ongoing stress and discomfort can strain personal relationships and impact professional performance, heightening the overall burden of the disorder. Without targeted intervention, patients may also inadvertently develop maladaptive coping mechanisms, such as avoiding certain social situations or relying heavily on over-the-counter remedies that fail to address the underlying causes. 

Timely and effective treatment is essential to prevent these outcomes and restore well-being. By addressing the root causes of IBS, patients can minimize disruptions to their lives and regain control over their physical and emotional health. Seeking professional help is a critical first step toward long-term relief and improved quality of life.

IBS Patient Case Study

Joan, a 34-year-old marketing executive who had been living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) for over five years. Joan came to Dr. John Salerno seeking relief after various standard treatments failed to provide her with lasting relief. Salerno’s integrative and functional treatment approach helped restore her health.

Joan suffered from recurrent and often unpredictable IBS symptoms that negatively impacted her quality of life and career. Her main IBS complaints were intense abdominal cramping, bloating, and alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation. This symptom “storm” could happen at any time, leaving Joan unable to plan social activities or attend work meetings with any certainty. “I felt like I was constantly walking on eggshells, afraid of what the day might bring,” she lamented. Joan had sought care from multiple gastroenterologists over the years and was prescribed antispasmodics and advised to avoid common IBS triggers like dairy, caffeine, and fatty foods.

Unfortunately, these changes only provided temporary relief and did nothing to address her symptoms at their root. As time went on, Joan felt more and more frustrated and her condition began to hold her back in life as she would try to avoid stressful situations and eating out or on-the-go as much as possible. She became so disheartened by her symptoms that she decided to try Dr. John Salerno’s method of integrative and functional medicine.

Dr. Salerno began by conducting a comprehensive intake during Joan’s first appointment. This included a detailed discussion of her past medical history, dietary habits, stress levels, as well as previous treatments tried. He also ordered a comprehensive panel of advanced testing to better understand her specific triggers, such as microbiome analysis and food sensitivity testing.

With all this information, Dr. Salerno developed a personalized treatment plan for Joan. This plan included a tailored elimination diet to better identify her food triggers, supplementation with probiotics for gut flora balance, and stress management techniques such as guided breathing exercises. Joan also started receiving IV nutrient therapy to help address any underlying deficiencies and promote healing of the digestive tract. “Dr. Salerno’s approach was different. He listened to me, treated me with dignity and respect, and made me feel like a real person, not just a collection of symptoms to be patched over,” Joan said.

Joan started to see significant improvements within the first three months of care. Her abdominal pain and bloating became much less frequent and severe, and she was able to slowly reintroduce some of the foods she had eliminated during the beginning of her treatment. By the sixth month, her bowel movements were far more regular and predictable which gave her a much greater sense of control over her life. Quantitatively, Joan saw an overall 70% improvement in her IBS symptoms and no longer required over-the-counter medication to feel relief from her symptoms. “I feel like I got my life back! I wake up every morning without fear of what my day will be like,” she shared with a smile.

Why Patients Choose Dr. John Salerno for IBS Treatments 

Dr. John Salerno is a trusted expert in IBS treatment, renowned for over 30 years of experience in functional and integrative medicine. Patients value his ability to address the root causes of IBS rather than merely managing symptoms. He offers personalized treatment plans that reflect each patient's unique health challenges and goals, ensuring meaningful and sustainable progress. Dr. Salerno utilizes advanced diagnostic tools to uncover hidden triggers, such as food sensitivities or gut dysbiosis, that often complicate IBS. 

His patient-first philosophy means he takes the time to listen, understand, and collaborate with those in his care. Through targeted therapies such as dietary adjustments, proven supplements, and stress-reduction techniques, he helps patients regain control over their digestive health. Many individuals who consult with Dr. Salerno express relief not only from their symptoms but also from the mental and emotional toll of IBS. His compassionate care and commitment to improving quality of life make him an unparalleled choice for those seeking effective, holistic IBS solutions.  

Rather than relying on temporary fixes, his methods provide sustainable solutions that empower you to regain control of your digestive health. Many patients have experienced significant symptom reduction and a renewed sense of wellness under his care. Take the first step to better health by scheduling a consultation with Salerno Wellness today. Don't wait—start your journey to a life free from the burdens of IBS. 

Please contact us today.

Additional References

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome - MedlinePlus
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome - American College of Gastroenterology