Understanding Treatments for IBS and Migraine with Dr. Bethany Devito

Understanding Dr. Bethany Devito and Her Work

Dr. Bethany Devito is a highly respected gastroenterologist and expert on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and migraine. She has dedicated her career to helping patients better manage these often debilitating conditions. Dr. Devito provides compassionate care and utilizes the latest research to develop effective treatment plans for her patients.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore Dr. Devito's background, her approach to treating IBS and migraine, and provide an overview of these two conditions. We will also share Dr. Devito's top tips for managing symptoms and living a fuller, healthier life even with IBS and migraine.

Who is Dr. Bethany Devito?

Dr. Bethany Devito is a board-certified gastroenterologist based in New York City. She completed her medical training and residency at Harvard Medical School before going on to complete her fellowship training in gastroenterology at Columbia University Medical Center.

In addition to operating a successful private practice, Dr. Devito serves as Associate Professor of Medicine at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. She has authored over 50 peer-reviewed articles in prestigious medical journals and frequently lectures at national medical conferences.

Dr. Devito has a special interest and expertise in functional GI disorders like IBS. She takes an integrative, whole-person approach to treating these conditions that goes beyond just managing symptoms. Her compassionate approach puts patients at ease while she gets to the root causes of their digestive troubles.

Dr. Devito's Approach to Treating IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the large intestine. It causes uncomfortable digestive symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhea. IBS is considered a functional GI disorder because there are no observable structural abnormalities seen on endoscopies or blood tests.

The exact causes of IBS are still unclear, but it seems to involve a complex interplay of the brain-gut axis, genetics, immune system dysfunction, stress, hormonal changes, and intestinal microbiome imbalances. There also appears to be a strong link between IBS and anxiety or depression.

Dr. Devito utilizes a multifaceted approach to treating IBS that addresses all of these potential factors. The key aspects of her treatment protocol include:

• Dietary modification - removing trigger foods like FODMAPs, gluten, and dairy
• Probiotics and digestive enzymes to support gut health
• Prescription medications to alleviate diarrhea, constipation, pain and bloating
• Stress management techniques like CBT, meditation, yoga
• Neuromodulators to calm the brain-gut hypersensitivity
• Pelvic floor therapy and exercise for IBS patients with pain

Dr. Devito customizes treatment based on the patient's predominant symptoms and test results. She also provides long-term support to help patients implement the dietary, lifestyle and mind-body changes that can provide lasting relief from IBS symptoms.

Dr. Devito's Approach to Migraine Management

Migraine is a neurological condition characterized by severe, pulsing head pain along with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines can be extremely debilitating and greatly impact one's quality of life.

While the exact mechanisms are complex, migraines appear to involve abnormal activity in the brainstem along with inflammation and constriction/dilation of blood vessels. A number of factors can trigger migraines including hormonal changes, stress, sleep disturbances, weather changes, caffeine, and certain foods.

Dr. Devito helps migraine patients identify and avoid their personal migraine triggers. Common treatments she prescribes include:

• Preventive medications like tricyclic antidepressants, beta blockers, or anti-epileptic drugs
• Abortive medications like triptans or ergot derivatives to stop attacks
• Non-pharmacological therapies like biofeedback, stress reduction, trigger point massage
• Nutritional supplementation with magnesium, riboflavin, CoQ10

For patients with Severe, uncontrolled migraines, Dr. Devito may recommend botox injections or nerve blocks. She works closely with neurologists who specialize in migraine care.

The Connection Between IBS and Migraine

Interestingly, research over the past decade has revealed a significant overlap between IBS and migraine. Studies show that up to 40% of those with IBS also have migraines. And upwards of 30% of migraineurs also deal with IBS symptoms.

The exact reason for this connection is unclear, but some possible explanations include:

• Both involve Visceral Hypersensitivity - increased nerves sensitivity that lowers the threshold for pain signals.
• There may be abnormalities in Serotonin regulation and absorption in both IBS and migraine.
• Food sensitivities and changes in the microbiome could potentially trigger both IBS and migraines.
• Hormonal fluctuations exacerbate symptoms of both conditions in women.
• Stress and anxiety are strongly linked to both IBS and migraines.

Dr. Devito closely monitors for IBS symptoms in her migraine patients and vice versa. She recommends an integrated treatment approach that addresses contributing factors common to both conditions, like diet, gut health, hormone balance, and stress reduction.

Tips for Managing IBS and Migraine

Living with both IBS and migraines can feel overwhelming, but there are many effective strategies to reduce flare-ups of both conditions. Here are Dr. Devito's top tips for minimising symptoms:

• Identify triggers - Keep a food and symptom journal. Look for trigger foods, behaviors, or environmental factors you should avoid.
• Manage stress - Stress exacerbates both IBS and migraine. Make time for relaxation through yoga, meditation, massage, nature walks.
• Get enough sleep - Lack of sleep is a common migraine trigger and can disrupt digestion.
• Stay hydrated - Dehydration aggravates headaches, constipation and abdominal pain.
• Exercise regularly - Moderate activity boosts gut motility, reduces stress, and wards off headaches.
• Take supplements - Magnesium, B vitamins, probiotics and omega-3s can relieve symptoms of both conditions.
• Consider cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) - CBT is very effective for chronic pain, IBS, migraine, stress and anxiety.
• Try an elimination diet - Remove common trigger foods like dairy, gluten, alcohol, caffeine, FODMAPs.
• Practice abdominal massage - Gentle massage can relieve pain, bloating and constipation.
• Apply heat or cold therapy - Heat pads and ice packs can alleviate migraine and IBS pain.

Dr. Devito encourages patients to be patient with themselves. Finding the right combination of lifestyle changes, stress-relieving activities and medical treatments takes time. But significant symptom relief is possible by working closely with a knowledgeable clinician like Dr. Devito.

In Conclusion

Dr. Bethany Devito is a highly skilled gastroenterologist providing life-changing care for people with IBS, migraine and other GI conditions. Her multifaceted, personalized approach addresses the complex underlying causes of these often overlapping disorders.

By combining the latest medical research with compassionate support and practical lifestyle guidance, Dr. Devito gives patients the tools to dramatically reduce symptoms and improve their quality of life. Though dealing with chronic conditions like IBS and migraines can be challenging, there are thankfully many effective strategies available, as highlighted in Dr. Devito's wise teachings.

The key is to find a knowledgeable clinician you trust to oversee your care. So if you're suffering and haven't found relief, consider booking a consultation with Dr. Devito. While these conditions can't be cured, they can be successfully managed so you can get back to fully enjoying life again.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.