Outlook

Because irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic (long-term) disease, symptoms usually return from time to time. This may be influenced by factors such as stress, diet, or other environmental causes. No known treatment cures IBS. Multiple factors may play a role in aggravating IBS, so it may be difficult to predict which may make IBS worse for a particular person. Establishing a good relationship with a doctor may help alleviate concerns over symptoms and allow rapid recognition of changing or worsening symptoms.