IBS Perth
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) explained
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Level 3, Suite 302
44 Barry Marshall Parade
Murdoch WA 6150
If your GP thinks you might have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), they may suggest seeing a gastroenterologist at Westside Gastroenterology. We’ve been helping patients for a long time and recently moved to Murdoch Square from Wexford Medical Centre.
IBS Perth
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects the colon, which stores stool. It’s sometimes called ‘abdominal migraine.’ Other terms like ‘functional bowel symptoms’ or ‘brain-gut axis dysfunction’ are also used, but they mean the same thing.
People with IBS have sensitive bowels that are easily upset. IBS is common, affecting one in five Australians at some point. It’s more common in women, often starting in the late teens or early twenties, and can come and go. Symptoms are often worse before a woman’s period.
The main symptoms of IBS are:
- Abdominal pain or discomfort, often relieved by passing wind or stool
- Stomach bloating
- Chronic diarrhoea or constipation, or alternating between the two
Other symptoms include:
- Whitish mucus in the stool
- Feeling like you haven’t finished a bowel movement
- Nausea
IBS can be painful, but it doesn’t damage the colon or lead to other health problems.
IBS diagnosis Perth
How is Irritable Bowel Syndrome diagnosed?
We usually diagnose IBS by talking with you about your symptoms and sometimes doing blood tests, scans, or a colonoscopy. We often need to do these tests if:
- You develop symptoms after age 40
- You have a family history of bowel cancer
- Your symptoms might be caused by other conditions like coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, or polyps
Further tests are necessary if you have:
- Bleeding from the back passage
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Severe diarrhoea
- Severe pain
- Symptoms that wake you up at night
IBS treatment Perth
Who manages and treats IBS?
IBS is often managed at home by changing your diet or using treatments from the chemist. Many people talk to their GP for more advice.
“Your GP might refer you to Westside Gastroenterology if you need more help, if treatments aren’t working, or to rule out other conditions.”
Dr Callum Pearce
Perth Gastroenterologist
At Westside Gastroenterology, we have specialists for both children and adults, as well as a dietitian, naturopath, and clinical psychologist who can offer additional advice when needed. We may also refer patients to a physiotherapist.
Dr Callum Pearce
Perth Gastroenterologist
Our experienced endoscopists are gap-free providers with major health funds, and we can accommodate urgent referrals quickly.
GI Clinic Perth
What is important when choosing a GI Clinic?
When you need to see a gastroenterologist, it’s important to choose a specialist you’re comfortable with. Consider the following:
Team size
Larger practices often have specialists who focus on your condition and can see patients on short notice. Westside Gastroenterology is the largest gastroenterology group in Western Australia.
Communication
Find a gastroenterologist you can talk to and understand. We have both male and female specialists from various backgrounds who speak many languages.
Private and public
Choose a practice with specialists who have public commitments. This helps if your health insurance doesn’t cover all your treatments. We have public commitments at several hospitals.
Hospital associations
Look at which hospitals your gastroenterology practice is linked with. This is important based on where you live and if you need hospital treatment.
Our friendly team can answer any questions you have about which gastroenterologist might be best for you.
Gastroenterologist Murdoch Square
Find us at Murdoch Square
Formerly known as Wexford Gastro, we have rebranded to reflect our new address while maintaining the same exceptional care and expertise you’ve come to trust.