Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Educational information. Individual clinical review of this presentation by Dr. Ehsan is not yet documented. It does not replace personal medical evaluation.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. Read the original source
MedlinePlus data edition September 26, 2026. Imported September 27, 2026. These dates do not indicate a new clinical review of the article.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a problem that affects the large intestine. It can cause abdominal cramping, bloating, and a change in bowel habits. Some people with the disorder have constipation. Some have diarrhea. Others go back and forth between the two. Although IBS can cause a great deal of discomfort, it does not harm the intestines.
IBS is common. It affects about twice as many women as men and is most often found in people younger than 45 years. No one knows the exact cause of IBS. There is no specific test for it. Your doctor may run tests to be sure you don't have other diseases. These tests may include stool sampling tests, blood tests, and x-rays. Your doctor may also do a test called a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. Most people diagnosed with IBS can control their symptoms with diet, stress management, probiotics, and medicine.
NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Symptoms, tests and care options
Further reading selected by MedlinePlus. Links open the original organizations’ websites.
- 7 Tips: Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Complementary Health Approaches · National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
- Calprotectin Stool Test · National Library of Medicine
- Colonoscopy: MedlinePlus Health Topic · National Library of Medicine
- Diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome · National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
- Hypnosis for IBS · International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome: What You Need To Know · National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
- Recognizing Symptoms · International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders
- Symptoms and Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome · National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
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