Irritable Bowel Syndrome

What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the functioning of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Irritable bowel syndrome has previously been referred to as spastic colon, colitis, mucous colitis, and spastic bowel. Experts have chosen the name irritable bowel syndrome to better encompass the many physical and mental aspects of the condition, and to accommodate a broad spectrum of symptoms that seem to be related. Unlike irritable bowel disorders such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, IBS does not damage the GI tract. Patients with irritable bowel syndrome commonly experience cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation, though their intestines typically remain free of erosion and scarring.

The National Institute of Health (NIH) categorizes IBS into four subtypes:

  • IBS with constipation. This type of IBS is characterized by hard or lumpy stools at least 25% of the time, and loose or watery stools less than 25% of the time.
  • IBS with diarrhea. This type of IBS is characterized by loose or watery stools at least 25% of the time, and hard or lumpy stools less than 25 percent of the time.
  • Mixed IBS. This type of IBS is characterized by hard or lumpy stools at least 25% of the time, and loose or watery stools at least 25% of the time.
  • Unsubtyped IBS. This type of IBS is characterized by hard or lumpy stools less than 25% of the time, and loose or watery stools less than 25% of the time.

Because little is known about what causes the functional changes of irritable bowel syndrome, IBS remains a syndrome – a grouping of symptoms that occur without a known cause – rather than a disease. It is, however, the focus of many major research projects, and many are hopeful that a definite cause is on the horizon.

According to the National Institute of Health, as much as 20% of the American adult population is affected by IBS, though only 5% to 7% receive a diagnosis. Women are twice as likely to suffer from IBS than men, and individuals under the age of 45 are at the highest risk of developing the disease.

What Causes Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Risk Factors For Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Diagnosing Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Prognosis

Living With Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Screening

Prevention

Medication And Treatment

Complementary and Alternative Treatment

When To Contact A Doctor

Questions For A Doctor