Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – An Overview | myIBSteam

Connect with others who understand.

sign up log in
Resources
About myIBSteam
Powered By

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – An Overview

Written by Kelly Crumrin
Posted on August 15, 2018

IBS is a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal (GI) system. In IBS, there is no damage or visible sign of disease in the large intestine, but it does not work properly. IBS can cause diarrhea, constipation, or a mixture of both, along with abdominal pain, bloating, heartburn, and other symptoms. IBS can significantly impact quality of life, negatively affecting work, relationships, social life, and travel.

What Is IBS?

The cause of irritable bowel syndrome is unknown, although researchers have identified many risk factors associated with developing IBS. Some doctors consider functional GI disorders to be caused by communication problems between the gut and the brain.

There are three types of irritable bowel syndrome. IBS-C mainly involves constipation; IBS-D involves mainly diarrhea; and IBS-M involves constipation on some days and diarrhea on other days.

The History of IBS

The first medical case describing irritable bowel syndrome was recorded in 1820 in the United Kingdom. Early case studies noted bloating, abdominal pain, and irregular stools. The term "irritable bowel syndrome" was first used in 1944. Other terms used to refer to IBS over time have included irritable colon, spastic colon, nervous colon, colitis, mucous colitis, and spastic bowel.

In 1978, physician A.P. Manning of Duke University established the Manning criteria for IBS diagnosis. The Manning criteria are based on abdominal pain and loose stools. The Rome III criteria, written in 2006, describes types of IBS according to bowel habit. Both sets of criteria are still used today.

How Common Is IBS?

An estimated 12 to 15 percent of the United States population has IBS. IBS is one of the most commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal conditions in the U.S. Women are about twice as likely to develop IBS as men. Most people who develop IBS are under the age of 50.

Condition Guide

Resources

External resources

myIBSteam resources

FAQs

Can you die from IBS?
Irritable bowel syndrome has no effect on life expectancy. People with IBS can expect to live a normal lifespan. IBS is not progressive and does not cause damage to the gastrointestinal system.

How is IBS diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose irritable bowel syndrome with a combination of detailed patient history and tests to screen for other potential causes of your symptoms. Tests may include endoscopy, X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan, breath tests, and collection of a stool sample. It can take time to receive a definitive diagnosis, and many people receive incorrect diagnoses before finding out they have IBS. Learn more about the IBS diagnosis process.

What are the symptoms of IBS?
IBS symptoms vary between types of IBS and between people. The most common symptoms of IBS are diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain and cramping, and bloating. Learn more about IBS symptoms.

How is IBS treated?
People with IBS are encouraged to identify and avoid foods that trigger symptoms and make life changes such as getting plenty of sleep and exercise. Laxatives, anti-diarrhea drugs, and fiber supplements may help, and prescription medications can help regulate the digestive tract and keep it moving in a more normal fashion. Some people with IBS benefit from antidepressants. Learn more about IBS treatments.

Are IBD and IBS one and the same?
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are two separate and unrelated conditions that share many of the same symptoms including constipation, diarrhea, urgent need to defecate, abdominal pain, and cramping. However, IBS does not involve inflammation or damage to the digestive tract. IBD causes damage that can be seen on imaging tests and inflammation that can be measured with blood tests. IBS does not cause bleeding, which is common in IBD, or complications such as abscesses or fistulas. In IBS, symptoms are caused by functional problems of the digestive system, specifically, the pattern in which the muscles that line the GI tract move food along.

The cause of IBS is unknown, but it is not believed to involve an abnormal reaction of the immune system as in IBD. A few medications may be effective at treating symptoms (such as such as constipation and diarrhea) of both IBD and IBS; however, IBD itself is treated with immunomodulators and surgeries that would be ineffective and dangerous in cases of IBS.

Is it possible to have both IBD and IBS?
Yes, it is rare but possible to have both inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Approximately 20 percent of people diagnosed with either Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis experience symptoms of IBS at the same time.

Posted on August 15, 2018
All updates must be accompanied by text or a picture.

Become a Subscriber

Get the latest articles about IBS sent to your inbox.

Kelly Crumrin is a senior editor at MyHealthTeam and leads the creation of content that educates and empowers people with chronic illnesses. Learn more about her here.

Related articles

We all respond differently to information about our health. After learning you have irritable bow...

You’ve Just Been Diagnosed With IBS. Now What?

We all respond differently to information about our health. After learning you have irritable bow...
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. IBS c...

Types of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. IBS c...
In irritable bowel syndrome, there is no damage or visible sign of disease in the large intestine...

IBS – The Path to Diagnosis

In irritable bowel syndrome, there is no damage or visible sign of disease in the large intestine...
In irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the colon becomes extremely sensitive and reactive. The cause ...

What Causes IBS?

In irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the colon becomes extremely sensitive and reactive. The cause ...

Recent articles

This is a short guided meditation by Dr. Christiane Wolf on self-kindness, which gives you more s...

Self-Kindness When Struggling: 6-Minute Guided Meditation

This is a short guided meditation by Dr. Christiane Wolf on self-kindness, which gives you more s...
If you’re living with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you’re already aware of the impact the cond...

How To Get Involved With IBS Awareness

If you’re living with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you’re already aware of the impact the cond...
To determine how you can reduce your medical expenses, myIBSteam sat down with Susan Null of Sys...

How To Reduce Medical Bills: Top Financial Expert Shares 10 Tips

To determine how you can reduce your medical expenses, myIBSteam sat down with Susan Null of Sys...
Because the physical impact of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be all-consuming, you may be de...

How IBS Can Affect Your Mental Health

Because the physical impact of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be all-consuming, you may be de...
Those of us living with pre-existing, chronic illnesses such as IBS have likely felt the impact ...

Keeping Safe From COVID-19 With IBS

Those of us living with pre-existing, chronic illnesses such as IBS have likely felt the impact ...
Eat healthier. Exercise more. Learn a new skill. Pay off a credit card. Many of us have made simi...

Setting Intentions for 2020 With Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Eat healthier. Exercise more. Learn a new skill. Pay off a credit card. Many of us have made simi...
myIBSteam My IBS Team

Thank you for subscribing!

Become a member to get even more:

sign up for free

close
myIBSteam
Add to your home screen
myIBSteam Tap below and then 'Add to Home Screen'