APP Insight: Evaluating Time to Response and Treatment Effectiveness

In this video, physician assistant Kim Orleck of Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates, part of United Digestive, answers some of the most common questions about IBS medications and how to evaluate treatment success. Kim explains how clinical studies show bowel improvement—measured by complete spontaneous bowel movements—can often begin as early as one week, sometimes even within days, while abdominal pain relief typically takes 6–8 weeks to reach maximal benefit. She emphasizes the importance of setting realistic expectations so patients don’t discontinue therapy too soon. With no current biomarkers for IBS, Kim highlights how progress is assessed by carefully tracking the patient’s response across constipation, abdominal pain, and bloating symptoms. She also shares best practices on when to reassess therapy—usually at the 2–3 month mark—to ensure both bowel and pain improvements are achieved. This discussion offers valuable guidance for clinicians and patients navigating the complexities of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) management.