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Irritable Bowel Syndrome Mixed

Living with mixed irritable bowel syndrome can be frustrating and disruptive. Dr. Bharat Pothuri at GastroDoxs in Houston specializes in IBS-M care, offering personalized evaluation, evidence-based treatments, and support. Find relief through tailored diet, medication, and advanced therapies for comfort.

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Difficulty Swallowing

American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

About the Expert

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a board-certified gastroenterologist and the founder of GastroDoxs. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

Gut hypersensitivity that overreacts to normal signals
Trigger foods such as caffeine, high-fat or spicy meals
Emotional stress and anxiety disrupting digestion
Family history of irritable bowel syndrome
Hormonal fluctuations, especially around menstruation

Signs and Symptoms

Alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation
Excess gas and bloating
Abdominal cramps that ease after a bowel movement
Urgent need to go or sensation of incomplete evacuation
Occasional mucus in the stool

Expert Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome Mixed by Dr. Bharat Pothuri

Dr. Pothuri uses a step-by-step approach:

Medical History and Physical Exam

He reviews your pattern of bowel habits, timing and quality of epigastric pain, dietary triggers, stress factors and family history. A hands-on abdominal exam checks for tenderness, bloating, or palpable masses.

Symptom Criteria

Dr. Pothuri applies the Rome IV criteria for IBS-M, confirming alternating diarrhea and constipation with epigastric discomfort relieved by defecation.

Blood and Stool Tests

Blood tests to rule out anemia, celiac disease (tTG antibodies), thyroid dysfunction and inflammation (CRP, ESR).
Stool studies to exclude infections, check for inflammatory markers (calprotectin), and assess gut flora imbalances.

Imaging and Endoscopy

Abdominal ultrasound or CT scan when epigastric pain suggests gallbladder, pancreas or hepatobiliary causes.
Upper endoscopy (EGD) to evaluate the esophagus, stomach and duodenum if persistent epigastric pain or alarm features are present.

Advanced Testing (if needed)

Breath tests for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), colonic transit studies or motility assessments to further refine the diagnosis.

Treatment

Our Team offers a full range of care for IBS-M at GastroDoxs.

1. Lifestyle and Diet Changes

Personalized low-FODMAP meal plans to reduce gas and bloating
Avoidance of trigger foods such as caffeine, alcohol, beans, and greasy or spicy meals
Increased soluble fiber (oats, psyllium) to ease constipation
Stress-relief techniques like yoga, deep breathing, and therapy

2. Medications

Antispasmodics to calm bowel cramps
Laxatives or stool softeners for constipation relief
Anti-diarrheal agents during loose-stool episodes
Low-dose antidepressants to modulate gut nerve signals

3. Advanced Therapies

Biofeedback training for improved pelvic-floor muscle control
Gut-focused hypnotherapy in specialized cases
Enrollment in clinical trials for cutting-edge IBS-M treatments

Call Us 832-632-4070 Schedule Now Click Here Text Us 832-632-4070

1.9K

Patients Treated

Dr. Pothuri has treated more than 1.9K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.

20Y

Years of Experience

With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients

About the Author

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes IBS-M different from other IBS types?

IBS-M causes both diarrhea and constipation. Other IBS types tend to feature mostly one or the other.

Can changing my diet really help?

Yes. Adopting a low-FODMAP diet and adding the right fiber can significantly reduce symptoms.

How soon will I feel better?

Many patients notice improvement within two to four weeks once they follow a tailored treatment plan.

Are there tests to confirm IBS-M?

Yes. Simple blood and stool tests, imaging, or a colonoscopy can rule out other conditions; IBS-M is confirmed based on your symptoms.

Does stress really play a role?

Absolutely. Stress affects gut function, so managing anxiety and tension is a key part of treatment.

Can children get IBS-M?

Yes. If your child shows symptoms of IBS-M, they should be evaluated by a pediatric gastroenterologist.

What about probiotics?

Some patients find relief with specific probiotics. Dr. Pothuri can recommend strains proven to support gut health.

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