Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (pronunciation: /ˈɪrɪtəbəl baʊl ˈsɪndroʊm/), often abbreviated as IBS, is a common gastrointestinal disorder that affects the large intestine.

Etymology

The term "Irritable Bowel Syndrome" is derived from the Latin word "irritabilis" meaning "easily excited or irritated", and the Greek word "σύνδρομο" (syndrome) meaning "concurrence of symptoms, concurrence of diseases".

Definition

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a chronic condition that affects the large intestine and causes symptoms such as cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both. It is a functional disorder, meaning that it is not associated with any visible abnormalities in the structure or function of the digestive tract.

Related Terms

• Gastrointestinal disorder
• Large intestine
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Constipation

Symptoms

The symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome can vary widely from person to person and often resemble those of other diseases. Among the most common are:

• Abdominal pain or cramping
• A bloated feeling
• Gas
• Diarrhea or constipation — sometimes alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea
• Mucus in the stool

Treatment

While there is no cure for IBS, treatments are available that can help manage symptoms. These include changes in diet, lifestyle, and stress management. In some cases, medication or counseling may be recommended.

See Also

• Gastroenterology
• Digestive system
• Chronic condition

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Wikipedia's article - Irritable Bowel Syndrome

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