Conditions InDepth: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

June 10, 2008 - 7:30am

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Conditions InDepth: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic intestinal disorder causing abdominal pain, cramping, gas, and bloating, in addition to bouts of ]]>diarrhea]]> or ]]>constipation]]> . IBS does not cause inflammation or permanent harm, nor does it progress to more serious conditions. It can, nevertheless, be very distressing. Past names for this disorder include colitis, mucous colitis, spastic colon, spastic bowel, and functional bowel disease.

The Intestines

The exact cause of IBS is not known. There may be several causes, and IBS may itself be a collection of different conditions, each having a different cause. IBS is placed in a class of diseases known as "functional disorders," a term that means no structural, biochemical, or infectious cause has yet been found.

Possible triggers for IBS include:

Ordinary events such as eating or bloating from gas-producing foods
Certain foods: milk products, chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks, and fatty foods or simply larger meals
Stress
Emotional conflict
Menstrual periods

IBS afflicts 10%-20% of American adults, generating over 3 million yearly visits to physicians and comprising a quarter to a half of all visits to gastroenterologists. Over 60% of people with IBS are women.

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]]>How is irritable bowel syndrome diagnosed?]]>
]]>What are the treatments for irritable bowel syndrome?]]>
]]>Are there screening tests for irritable bowel syndrome?]]>
]]>How can I reduce my risk of irritable bowel syndrome?]]>
]]>What questions should I ask my doctor?]]>
]]>What is it like to live with irritable bowel syndrome?]]>
]]>Where can I get more information about irritable bowel syndrome?]]>

References:

American Gastroenterological Association website. Available at: http://www.gastro.org/ . Accessed March 3, 2006.

Fauci AS, Braunwald E, Isselbacher KJ, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine . 4th ed. New York, NY: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2000.

Last reviewed June 2008 by ]]>Daus Mahnke, MD]]>

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.