-
- Also called: Irritable bowel syndrome, irritable colon or spastic colon
- Type of ailment: Gastrointestinal
- Duration: Chronic
- Common medication or therapy: Fiber supplements, anti-diarrheal medications, diet changes, anticholinergic medications, antidepressants and counselingMayoClinic.com: Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment and Drugs
- Two medications specifically approved to treat IBS: Alosetron (Lotronex) and Lubiprostone (Amitiza)MayoClinic.com: Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment and Drugs:
- The exact cause of irritable bowel syndrome is unknown
-
-
IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome, is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that affects as many as 45 million Americans. IBS may cause pain, bloating, gas, cramping and recurrent bouts of constipation, diarrhea, or both.MayoClinic.com: Irritable Bowel Syndrome Definition The Washington Post: Harnessing the Mind to Manage Irritable Bowel Syndrome
While the exact cause of irritable bowel syndrome is unknown, the disorder can be treated or managed through lifestyle and dietary changes, medications and counseling. The exact course of treatment will depend on the symptoms a person is experiencing. If certain foods trigger a bout of IBS, those foods will be eliminated from the diet. If stress worsens the condition—as it can in some people—the IBS sufferer will be taught more effective ways to manage stress in everyday life.MayoClinic.com: Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment and Drugs WebMD: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Treatment Overview
IBS Symptoms
Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome vary among sufferers, but may include:- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Diarrhea, constipation or an alternation between the two
- Gas
- Bloating
- Mucus in the stoolMayoClinic.com: Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Symptoms
United States Statistics
Disclaimer
The content on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a physician for information on IBS.
| IBS - Irritable Bowel Syndrome | Inflammatory Bowel Disease | Diarrhea | Constipation | Crohn's Disease