Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects the large intestine and can cause bloating, abdominal cramping and a change in bowel habits. Some patients with IBS have constipation while others have diarrhea. Some people go back and forth between the two. Though IBS is uncomfortable, it does not harm the intestines.

IBS is common and more frequently affects women than men. No one knows the exact cause of IBS, but most people can control symptoms with a change in diet, medicine and stress management.

LINKS

• Digestive Health FAQs
• Digestive Health Additional Resources
• MayoClinic.com Irritable Bowel Syndrome Information
• American Gastroenterological Association: Multigene analysis can discriminate between IBD and IBS
• International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

EN ESPAÑOL

• Medline Plus: Sí­ndrome del intestino irritable

SOURCES

• Medline Plus: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Irritable Bowel Syndrome