Based in Lexington, Kentucky, Jonathan Kiev, MD, has an extensive background in trauma, thoracic, and general surgery. Also experienced in gastroenterology, Jonathan Kiev, MD, has knowledge of conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which manifests as recurring abdominal pain.

IBS typically impacts the large intestine and can sometimes cross over to the small intestine as well. One common sign is strong, easily identifiable contractions of the layers of muscles along the intestine walls. These are tasked with conveying food through the digestive tract.

For a number of people with chronic IBS, medications may not be necessary. Those with mild symptoms can often use stress management, exercise, and diet modification to combat the disease. With 60 percent of cases linked to diet, one common treatment approach involves simply boosting fluid and fiber intake. In addition, it makes sense to avoid fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAP). These include milk, yoghurt, and cheese with lactose, as well as certain grains, legumes, and fruits. Such food items are associated with pain, gas, and bloating among IBS patients.

Some medications, such as rifaximin, have also proven to be effective against irritable bowel syndrome, and a French randomized study points to the probiotic Bifidobacterium longum 35624 as being significantly effective at managing symptoms.