IBS

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. Symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both. IBS is a chronic condition that you'll need to manage long term.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The signs and symptoms of IBS vary but are usually present for a long time. The most common include:

  • Abdominal pain, cramping or bloating
  • Excess gas
  • Diarrhea or constipation, or both
  • Mucus in the stool

Causes[edit | edit source]

The exact cause of IBS isn't known. Factors that appear to play a role include:

  • Muscle contractions in the intestine
  • Nervous system abnormalities
  • Inflammation in the intestines
  • Severe infection
  • Changes in bacteria in the gut

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

There's no test to definitively diagnose IBS. Your doctor is likely to start with a complete medical history, physical exam and tests to rule out other conditions.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

The goal of IBS treatment is to relieve symptoms. Treatment is often a matter of managing stress, making changes in diet and taking medication.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


External links[edit | edit source]

IBS Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD