Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that affects the lining of the large intestine. Unlike inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the intestinal lining is not damaged in IBS.

The most common functional gastrointestinal disorder, IBS affects between 25 and 45 million people in the United States. Twice as many women as men are diagnosed, and it’s most often found in people younger than 50 years of age.

The exact cause of IBS is unknown, according to the American College of Gastroenterology, but a number of factors could contribute to the condition including:

• Miscommunication between the brain and gut
• Abnormal gut motility including contractions and spasms
• Hypersensitivity of the intestines
• Bacterial overgrowth
• Genetics
• Food sensitivity
• Disordered body chemicals

There are four subcategories of IBS:

• IBS-D: Mostly diarrhea and abdominal discomfort.
• IBS-C: Mostly constipation and abdominal discomfort
• IBS-Mixed: Alternating loose stools and constipation with abdominal discomfort.
• IBS-U: Symptoms are varied and undefined.

IBS can last for years or be lifelong. There may be times when the signs and symptoms are worse and times when they improve or even disappear completely.

Symptoms include:

• Feeling that a bowel movement is incomplete
• Passing mucus
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Alternating diarrhea and constipation
• Bloating
• Gas

While IBS doesn’t have a cure, symptoms can be managed with a combination of lifestyle and diet changes, as well medication depending on your symptoms. Consider eliminating high-gas foods, reducing gluten intake, and increasing fiber consumption to help mitigate your symptoms.