Constipation? Abdominal pain? It Could Be Irritable Bowel Syndrome

If you're dealing with constant stomach cramps, bloating, or unpredictable bathroom habits, you're not alone. At OhanaMed Virtual Urgent Care, our provider, Kyle Nefzger, APRN, FNP-C, helps patients find relief from uncomfortable gastrointestinal issues every single day. Through our convenient telehealth platform, we serve residents across Honolulu, Kaua'i, O'ahu, Moloka'i, Lāna'i, and Maui, Hawaii. If you're struggling with ongoing constipation and abdominal pain, you may have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

What is irritable bowel syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome is a common, chronic disorder of how your gut and brain interact, leading to repeated abdominal pain and changes in your bowel movements. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, 2024), these symptoms occur without any visible structural damage or disease in your digestive tract. For some people, IBS mostly causes constipation (known as IBS-C), while others experience frequent diarrhea or a mix of both.

The pain is often linked to how your brain processes signals from your digestive system. This gut-brain mismatch makes normal processes, like the movement of gas through your intestines, feel highly uncomfortable or even painful.

Common misconceptions about irritable bowel syndrome

A major misconception is that IBS is a "diagnosis of exclusion," meaning you must undergo endless invasive tests before getting answers. In reality, the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG, 2021) recommends a positive diagnostic strategy. This means we can often diagnose IBS based on your specific symptoms and a few simple, noninvasive tests, without needing routine colonoscopies for patients under 45 who don't have warning signs.

Another myth is that IBS symptoms are "all in your head." While stress and anxiety can certainly trigger flare-ups, IBS is a physical condition. Research shows that people with IBS have measurable physical changes, such as low-grade inflammation, altered gut bacteria, and increased sensitivity in the gut's nerve endings.

How we manage irritable bowel syndrome virtually

We manage IBS using personalized, evidence-based strategies that target the root causes of your discomfort. One of the most effective approaches is the low-FODMAP diet, which limits certain short-chain carbohydrates that are hard to digest. A comprehensive review published in Nutrients (2024) found that this dietary protocol significantly reduces overall IBS symptom severity and improves a patient's quality of life.

During a virtual visit, Kyle evaluates your symptoms and helps guide you through dietary adjustments, lifestyle changes, or targeted medications to ease your pain and restore regular bowel habits.

You don't have to live with chronic abdominal pain and constipation. If you're ready to take control of your digestive health from the comfort of your home, contact our team today to schedule a virtual consultation.