What is IBS?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)  causes cramping and abdominal pain and irregular bowel movements as well as some other symptoms. This disorder is often mistaken for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, however there is no abnormaility of the bowel with IBS.

What Causes IBS?

IBS can often occur after an intestinal infection, referred to as postinfectious IBS however there can be many other causes, many of which are not known at this time.  About 1 in 6 people have some symptoms and level of IBS which can occur at any age however it is twice as common to occur in woman, and typically the onset starts in ones early teens.

What are the Symptoms of IBS?

There is quite the range to the symptoms of IBS. Most people who suffer from IBS have rather mild symptoms, however, they can be quite significant in some cases. The most common symptoms of IBS are:

• Abdominal pain
• Gas
• Bloating
• Feeling of fullness
• Constipation or diarrhea

If you suffer from these symptoms for at least 3 days a month over a period of 3 months or more, you may be suffering from a case of IBS. Some sufferers of IBS experience symptoms only for a few days a month while others suffer the majority of the time.

IBS Treatment

The main goal for IBS Treatment is to relive symptoms as well as prevention. Read more on IBS Treatment