Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive problem that
causes episodes of abdominal pain, cramping or bloating, and diarrhea or
constipation. The cause is not well understood—there are no physical signs of
disease in the intestines and no specific tests that diagnose the condition—but
symptoms often get worse with stress or after eating.
IBS can persist for many years. An episode may be milder or more
severe than the one before it, but the disorder itself usually does not get worse
over time. It does not lead to more serious diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease or cancer.
Stress management, diet changes, and in some cases medications are
helpful in managing the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.