Definition

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common intestinal condition. Its cause is unknown and there is currently no cure. IBS is characterized by abdominal pain, changes in bowel movements, gassiness, nausea, and other symptoms.

Description

Irritable bowel syndrome is a poorly understood condition even though, by some estimates, as many as 30 percent of Americans have had IBS at one time in their life. IBS is responsible for more time lost at work and school than any other medical problem except the common cold. It is a major reason that patients see gastroenterologists (doctors who specialize in the digestive system; pronounced GAS-troe-EN-tuh-ROL-uh-jist). Yet no more than half of the people who experience IBS ever see a doctor.

IBS normally does not appear until after adolescence. It affects women about twice as often as men. Researchers do not know the reason for these patterns.

Causes