Although as many as one in five adults have signs and symptoms of IBS, fewer
than half seek medical help. Yet it's important to see your doctor if you have
a persistent change in bowel habits or if you have any other symptoms of IBS.
Your doctor may be able to help you find ways to
relieve symptoms as well as rule out other, more serious colon conditions, such
as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, which are forms of inflammatory
bowel disease, and colon cancer. He or she can also help you avoid possible
complications from problems such as chronic diarrhea.
