Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C, IBS-D)

About

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder that leads to abdominal pain and bowel changes.

Causes

The reasons why IBS develops are not clear. It can occur after a bacterial infection or a parasitic infection (giardiasis) of the intestines. This is called post infectious IBS. There may also be other triggers, including stress.

The intestine is connected to the brain using hormone and nerve signals that go back and forth between the bowel and the brain. These signals affect bowel function and symptoms. The nerves can become more active during stress. This can cause the intestines to be more sensitive and contract more.

IBS can occur at any age. Often, it begins in the teen years or early adulthood. It is twice as common in women as in men.

It is less likely to begin in older people above 50 years of age.

About 10% to 15% of people in the United States have symptoms of IBS. It is the most common intestinal problem that causes people to be referred to a bowel specialist (gastroenterologist).

Symptoms

IBS symptoms vary from person to person, and range from mild to severe. Most people have mild symptoms. You are said to have IBS when symptoms are present for at least 3 days a month for a period of 3 months or more.

The main symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain
• Gas
• Fullness
• Bloating
• Change in bowel habits. Can have either diarrhea (IBS-D), or constipation (IBS-C).

Pain and other symptoms will often be reduced or go away after a bowel movement. Symptoms may flare up when there is a change in the frequency of your bowel movements.

People with IBS may go back and forth between having constipation and diarrhea or have or mostly have one or the other.

• If you have IBS with diarrhea, you will have frequent, loose, watery stools. You may have an urgent need to have a bowel movement, which may be hard to control.
• If you have IBS with constipation, you will have a hard time passing stool, as well as fewer bowel movements. You may need to strain with a bowel movement and have cramps. Often, only a small amount or no stool at all will pass.

The symptoms may get worse for a few weeks or a month, and then decrease for a while. In other cases, symptoms are present most of the time.

You may also lose your appetite if you have IBS. However, blood in stools and unintentional weight loss are not a part of IBS.

Outlook (Prognosis)

IBS may be a life-long condition. For some people, symptoms are disabling and interfere with work, travel, and social activities.

Symptoms often get better with treatment.

IBS does not cause permanent harm to the intestines. Also, it does not lead to a serious disease, such as cancer.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your provider if you have symptoms of IBS or if you notice changes in your bowel habits that do not go away.

Alternative Names

IBS; IBD - irritable bowel; Spastic colon; Irritable colon; Mucous colitis; Spastic colitis; Abdominal pain - IBS; Diarrhea - IBS; Constipation - IBS