Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a digestion problem that causes episodes of belly pain, cramping or bloating, and diarrhea or constipation. Symptoms may be worse or better from day to day, but IBS won't get worse over time. It doesn't cause more serious diseases. Irritable bowel syndrome is a long-term problem, but treatment can help you manage your symptoms.
The main symptoms of IBS are belly pain with constipation or diarrhea. Other common symptoms are bloating, mucus in the stools, and a feeling that you haven't completely emptied your bowels.
Many people with IBS go back and forth between having constipation and having diarrhea. Most people have one of these more often than the other.
IBS is quite common, but most people's symptoms are so mild that they never see a doctor for treatment. Some people may have troublesome symptoms, especially stomach cramps, bloating, and diarrhea.
Because there are no structural problems in the intestines of people who have IBS, some people may think this means that the symptoms "are all in their head." This isn't true. The pain, discomfort, and bloating are real.
What causes irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
It isn't clear what causes IBS. The cause may be different for different people. It may be caused by problems with the way signals are sent between the brain and the digestive tract, or problems digesting certain foods. People with IBS may have unusually sensitive intestines. Or they may have problems with the way the muscles of the intestines move.
For some people with IBS, certain foods, stress, hormonal changes, and some antibiotics may trigger pain and other symptoms.
Most of the time, doctors can diagnose IBS from the symptoms. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and past health and will do a physical exam.
In some cases, you may need other tests, such as stool analysis or blood tests. These tests can help your doctor rule out other problems that might be causing your symptoms. People with diarrhea as part of their symptoms usually need testing. What tests you need depend on your symptoms and your age.
Tests may include a blood test for celiac disease and a complete blood count. Other tests can include stool tests for colon inflammation and infection. A colonoscopy is sometimes done.
Treatment for IBS depends on what symptoms you have, how severe they are, and how they affect your daily life. You may need to try a few things before you find out what works best for you.
Record your symptoms
The first step in treating IBS usually involves watching and recording what you eat and drink, your activities, and your experiences. These experiences might be pleasant things like catching up with a friend—or more stressful ones like having an argument with a family member. You can record all of this on paper, a computer, or your phone calendar. You may be able to see what things make your symptoms worse. Then you can avoid them. You may also find things that make your symptoms better.
Look for food triggers
Many people learn to avoid foods that trigger their symptoms. Here are some things to try.
Other steps to take
Take medicines
If diet and lifestyle changes don't help enough on their own, your doctor may prescribe medicines. Certain medicines are designed to help with constipation and diarrhea. Other medicines can help with pain. The medicines that are used for IBS pain are the same ones doctors use to treat anxiety and depression.