Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome Overview
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome Causes
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Medical Treatment
• Medications
• Next Steps
• Prevention
• Outlook
• For More Information
• Web Links
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors
• Related Irritable Bowel Syndrome articles:
  Irritable Bowel Syndrome - on WebMD
  Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - on MedicineNet

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Overview

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder of unknown cause. Common symptoms include abdominal cramping or pain, bloating and gassiness, and altered bowel habits. Irritable bowel syndrome has been called spastic colon, functional bowel disease, and mucous colitis. However, IBS is not a true "colitis." The term colitis refers to a separate condition known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Irritable bowel syndrome is not contagious, inherited, or cancerous. However, IBS often disrupts daily living activities. Nineteen percent of respondents in a survey of married or cohabiting people with IBS stated that they had difficulties in their personal relationships, and 45% stated that IBS interfered with their sex life.