As you search for information on
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), it's important to know the possible signs and symptoms that characterize this common digestive condition. Because IBS does not cause any obvious physical changes in the digestive tract, the process of determining whether you have this condition can be difficult.
Irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by a group of symptoms, namely crampy abdominal (stomach) pain, bloating,
constipation, and
diarrhea. Although the exact cause of this condition is unknown, there are things that can make IBS worse, such as stress and certain foods.
Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic condition. This means that there is no known cure. However, IBS is not life-threatening, it doesn't affect longevity, and most people don't develop serious health conditions because of it. Most people can control their symptoms through diet, stress management, and medications.
(For more information, click Irritable Bowel Syndrome. This article provides a complete overview of this digestive condition, including details on how it is diagnosed, other signs and symptoms, and various treatment options.)