Irritable Bowel Syndrome

What is irritable bowel syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. Signs and symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both. IBS is a chronic condition that you’ll need to manage long term.

Only a small number of people with IBS have severe signs and symptoms. Some people can control their symptoms by managing diet, lifestyle and stress. More-severe symptoms can be treated with medication and counseling.

IBS doesn’t cause changes in bowel tissue or increase your risk of colorectal cancer.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of IBS vary but are usually present for a long time. The most common include:

• Abdominal pain, cramping or bloating that is related to passing a bowel movement
• Changes in appearance of bowel movement
• Changes in how often you are having a bowel movement

Other symptoms that are often related include bloating, increased gas or mucus in the stool.

When to see a doctor?

See your doctor if you have a persistent change in bowel habits or other signs or symptoms of IBS. They may indicate a more serious condition, such as colon cancer. More-serious signs and symptoms include:

• Weight loss
• Diarrhea at night
• Rectal bleeding
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Unexplained vomiting
• Difficulty swallowing
• Persistent pain that isn’t relieved by passing gas or a bowel movement