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Definition
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a digestive disorder that causes crampy abdominal pain, gas, bloating, constipation or diarrhea. IBS has the same symptoms as some more serious conditions, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or some gastrointestinal infections.
IBS varies greatly in severity. Some people experience only mild discomfort. Others suffer frequent bouts of abdominal discomfort and distress. Fortunately, IBS is treatable or manageable in most cases. In addition, IBS does not lead to bleeding, infection, cancer or any life-threatening condition.
Women are three times more likely to have IBS than men. As many as 30 percent of all Americans experience IBS at some time in their lives. The average age at diagnosis is 20. Stress is believed to trigger or exacerbate, but not cause, IBS. Stress management, a special diet and medications all help to control the symptoms of IBS.
Irritable bowel syndrome is also known as spastic colon or spastic colitis.
More on Irritable Bowel Syndrome Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Glossary of Terms for Digestive Diseases
Debate Grows Over Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Healthy Eating Habits for Your Stomach and Intestines
In the Encyclopedia: Irritable bowel syndrome
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Stress
This article was reviewed June 2005, by Dennis C. Policastro, M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.C.E.P., Residency Program Director, Internal Medicine, Pennsylvania Hospital, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.
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