Irritable Bowel Syndrome Specialist

Kevin McNamara, MD Our Services Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Kevin McNamara, MD - - Board Certified Gastroenterologist

Kevin McNamara, MD

Board Certified Gastroenterologist located in Tulsa, OK

Irritable bowel syndrome is a very common gastrointestinal condition affecting as many as 15% of adults in the United States. However, most people don’t seek help from a doctor to manage their irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Board-certified gastroenterologist Kevin McNamara, MD, specializes in the diagnosis and management of irritable bowel syndrome and works closely with you to develop a plan to ease your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Call his private practice in Tulsa, Oklahoma, or book an appointment online today.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Q&A

What is irritable bowel syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic gastrointestinal condition that develops due to abnormal intestinal motility. The abnormalities in your bowel function may cause changes in your bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or both) or uncomfortable symptoms, such as abdominal pain, gas, or bloating. Though irritable bowel syndrome doesn’t affect the health of your gastrointestinal system, the symptoms may impact your quality of life. 

Irritable bowel syndrome affects twice as many women as men. Though it’s not entirely clear why women are more susceptible to the gastrointestinal condition, it may be due to the differences in how women and men process the sensations from their gastrointestinal system, referred to as the enteric nervous system. 


What are irritable bowel syndrome symptoms?

Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms may vary in type and severity. Common symptoms include:

  • Abdominal pain and cramping
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Alternating between periods of diarrhea and constipation
  • Bloating
  • Gas
  • Pellet-like or ribbon-like stools

In addition to gastrointestinal symptoms, your irritable bowel syndrome may also cause general muscle aches and pains, headaches, and back pain. 


How is irritable bowel syndrome diagnosed?

Dr. McNamara performs a comprehensive evaluation when you come to see him with symptoms indicative of irritable bowel syndrome. During your exam, he reviews your symptoms, medical and family history, and performs a physical exam.

Currently, no single test can diagnose irritable bowel syndrome and Dr. McNamara may request various testing to rule out other causes of your symptoms, such as blood work, stool test, and/or food allergy or sensitivity testing. In some cases, he may request a colonoscopy. 


How is irritable bowel syndrome treated?

Dr. McNamara works closely with you to develop a treatment plan that helps relieve your irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.

Your treatment plan may include:


  • Stress management
  • Regular exercise
  • Diet modification
  • Antispasmodic medications
  • Laxatives
  • Anti-diarrheal medication
  • Bulking agents to regulate bowel movements
  • Antidepressants


Because no one treatment works for all, it may take some trial and error to find what works best for you. 

To schedule a consultation at Kevin McNamara, MD, to get help managing your irritable bowel syndrome, call the office or use the online booking tool. 

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