Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common disorders that
physicians see. Yet it's also one that many people aren't comfortable talking
about. IBS is characterized by abdominal pain or cramping and changes in bowel
function — including bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation — problems most
people don't like to discuss. What's more, for many years IBS was considered a
psychological rather than a physical problem.
Up to one in five adults has irritable bowel syndrome. The disorder accounts
for more than one out of every 10 doctor visits. For most people, signs and
symptoms of irritable bowel disease are mild. Only a small percentage of people
with IBS have severe signs and symptoms.
Fortunately, unlike more serious intestinal
diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, IBS doesn't cause inflammation
or changes in bowel tissue or increase your risk of colorectal cancer. In many
cases, you can control IBS by managing your diet, lifestyle and stress.
