Overview

Definition

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a digestive disorder that causes crampy abdominal pain, gas, bloating, constipation or diarrhea. IBS has symptoms similar to some more serious conditions, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or some gastrointestinal infections.

IBS varies greatly in severity. Some people experience only mild discomfort. Others suffer frequent bouts of abdominal discomfort and distress. Fortunately, IBS is treatable or manageable in most cases. In addition, IBS does not lead to bleeding, infection, cancer or any life-threatening condition.

Women are three times more likely to have IBS than men. As many as 30 percent of all Americans experience IBS at some time in their lives. The average age at diagnosis is 20. Stress is believed to trigger or exacerbate, but not cause, IBS. Stress management, a special diet and medications all help to control the symptoms of IBS.

Irritable bowel syndrome is also known as spastic colon or spastic colitis.

More on Irritable Bowel Syndrome

	Inflammatory Bowel Disease
	Irritable Bowel Syndrome
	Glossary of Terms for Digestive Diseases
	Debate Grows Over Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome
	Healthy Eating Habits for Your Stomach and Intestines
	What Is Celiac Disease?

In the Encyclopedia:

	Irritable bowel syndrome
	Barium enema
	Antidiarrheal drugs
	Traveler's diarrhea
	Stress

Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

	Abdominal pain or cramping
	Frequent diarrhea, especially after eating
	Diarrhea may alternate with periods of constipation
	Gas bloating: feeling of pressure inside the abdomen
	Mucus in the stool

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.