Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Other names	IBS, spastic colon
Specialty	Gastroenterology
Symptoms	Abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation
Duration	Long term
Types	IBS-C (constipation predominant), IBS-D (diarrhea predominant), IBS-M (mixed type)
Causes	Unknown
Risk factors	Food sensitivity, stress
Diagnostic method	Based on symptoms, ruled out other conditions
Differential diagnosis	Inflammatory bowel disease, Celiac disease, Gastroenteritis
Treatment	Dietary changes, medication, psychological therapy
Medication	Laxatives, Antispasmodics, Antidepressants
Frequency	10–15% globally

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the large intestine that leads to symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits including diarrhea and constipation. The exact cause of IBS is not well understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of intestinal and nervous system abnormalities, psychological stress, and microbial factors.

Symptoms

IBS symptoms vary widely among individuals but commonly include:

• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Bloating
• Gas
• Diarrhea or constipation — sometimes alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation

Causes

While the exact cause of IBS is unknown, several factors appear to play a role, including:

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

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of IBS is typically made based on the symptoms and after ruling out other conditions. The Rome criteria are often used to help diagnose IBS. Tests to rule out other conditions might include blood tests, stool tests, and colonoscopy.

Treatment

Treatment of IBS may include:

• Dietary adjustments, such as increasing fiber intake or following a low FODMAP diet
• Medications, including fiber supplements, laxatives, antidiarrheal drugs, antispasmodics, and antidepressants
• Psychological therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy

Epidemiology

IBS affects about 10–15% of people globally and is more common in women than men. The condition often begins in young adulthood.

See also

• Digestive system
• Functional gastrointestinal disorder
• Gut-brain axis