Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) describes several related functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. The hallmark of these conditions is abdominal pain and alterations in bowel habits. It is characterized by heightened abdominal sensitivity and altered intestinal motility. The etiology of IBS is not fully understood. It may be triggered by an infection, environmental factors or other stimuli.
Most people who suffer from this condition will have abdominal pain and altered bowel habits such as constipation or diarrhea. IBS can occur in any person at any age, though it is most common to begin in early adulthood. Women are more likely to be affected than men. Furthermore, those with a family history of IBS and those under severe stress or with psychological conditions have an increased risk of developing IBS.
Lifestyle changes, such as managing stress and making dietary changes, may help. Additional lifestyle changes that may help include regular exercise, meditation, and counseling. These changes can help reduce stress as well as symptom flare-ups. Several medications may be helpful as well, such as probiotics, antibiotics, fiber supplements, anti-diarrheals, and laxatives. Frequently IBS symptoms may mimic those of other medical conditions and therefore they need to be initially evaluated by a gastroenterologist to rule out more serious disorders.
