Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Summary

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a problem that affects the large intestine. It can cause abdominal cramping, bloating, and a change in bowel habits. Some people with the disorder have constipation. Some have diarrhea. Others go back and forth between the two. Although IBS can cause a great deal of discomfort, it does not harm the intestines.

IBS is common. It affects about twice as many women as men and is most often found in people younger than 45 years. No one knows the exact cause of IBS. There is no specific test for it. Your doctor may run tests to be sure you don’t have other diseases. These tests may include stool sampling tests, blood tests, and x-rays. Your doctor may also do a test called a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. Most people diagnosed with IBS can control their symptoms with diet, stress management, probiotics, and medicine.

NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Treatments and Therapies

• 7 Tips: Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Complementary Health Approaches National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
• Hypnosis for IBS International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders
• IBS Treatment Options International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: What You Need To Know National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
• Medications for IBS International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders
• Peppermint Oil National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
• Probiotics: What You Need to Know National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
• Psychological Treatments International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders
• Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Clinical Trials

• ClinicalTrials.gov: Colonic Diseases, Functional National Institutes of Health

Diagnosis and Tests

• Colonoscopy: MedlinePlus Health Topic National Library of Medicine
• Diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Start Here

• Definition and Facts for Irritable Bowel Syndrome National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
• What Is IBS? International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders

Living With

• Eating, Diet, and Nutrition for Irritable Bowel Syndrome National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
• Fiber: How to Increase the Amount in Your Diet American Academy of Family Physicians
• IBS Diet International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders
• Relaxation Techniques to Manage IBS Symptoms International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders
• Sleep and Irritable Bowel Syndrome International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders
• Travel Tips Help IBS Sufferers Enjoy Their Vacations International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders

Find an Expert

• Find a Gastroenterologist American College of Gastroenterology
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Related Issues

• Gut Troubles: Pain, Gassiness, Bloating, and More National Institutes of Health
• IBS and Non-GI Functional Disorders International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders
• Spastic Colon: What Does It Mean? Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

Women

• IBS in Women International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders

Children

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome Nemours Foundation
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Children National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Teenagers

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome Nemours Foundation

Patient Handouts

• Irritable bowel syndrome Medical Encyclopedia
• Low FODMAP diet Medical Encyclopedia

Statistics and Research

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Complementary Health Approaches: What the Science Says National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health

Specifics

• Post-Infectious IBS (PI-IBS) International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders

Journal Articles

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Symptoms

• Recognizing Symptoms International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders
• Symptoms and Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Health Check Tools

• Take the IBS Test American College of Gastroenterology