The Fidelis Care Blog

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a painful condition that affects how food and fluids move through your intestines. Symptoms include belly pain, bloating, cramping, gassiness, and changes in bowel habits – such as diarrhea and/or constipation. IBS does not increase your risk of developing other intestinal conditions and is not life-threatening. IBS is also called irritable bowel, irritable colon, spastic colon, and nervous stomach.

How common is IBS?

About 10% to 15% of people in the United States suffer from IBS. It most commonly occurs between your teens to your early 40s. Women are more likely to have IBS. A family history of IBS, emotional stress, anxiety, sensitivity to certain foods, and severe digestive tract infections increase your risk.

What causes IBS?

The cause of IBS is not known. It is likely caused by problems with the nerves that control how food moves through your intestines. There may also be miscommunication between the brain and intestines. Triggers include certain foods, medications, and emotional stress.

IBS should not be confused with another gastrointestinal condition called inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD. IBD refers to Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, both of which cause inflammation of the intestines and can increase the risk of colon cancer. IBS does not cause either of these. 

How is IBS diagnosed?

Your doctor can diagnose IBS based on your symptoms, your medical history, your family history, and a physical examination. While there are no tests to diagnose IBS, your doctor may order tests to rule out other health conditions.

How is IBS treated?

There is no cure for IBS. Treatment can help manage your symptoms. Different approaches include:

1.  Dietary changes including:

   1. eating more fiber
   2. avoiding gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye)
   3. limiting dairy, and
   4. avoiding foods that contain certain carbohydrates (referred to as a low FODMAP diet).

Avoiding foods that tend to trigger symptoms in a particular individual (if identified) should also be avoided. Common triggers include red peppers, green onions, red wine, caffeinated drinks, wheat, and cow’s milk.

2. Lifestyle changes such as exercising regularly, drinking enough fluids, reducing stress, relaxing, and quitting smoking.
3. Taking medications (over the counter or prescription) to address your symptoms.  These include medications to treat constipation or diarrhea, probiotics (good bacteria to promote good intestinal health), and medications that help reduce painful cramping and spasms to the nerves in the intestines.
4. Mental health therapies, such as hypnosis, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and biofeedback. These have been found to be helpful in some patients with IBS.

As always, talk to your doctor about the approach that is right for you.