Irritable Bowel Syndrome: What It Is, How It’s Treated

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common condition that causes abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, affects more women than men. Although IBS is . . .

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common condition that causes abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, affects more women than men. Although IBS is not life-threatening and does not cause cancer, it can be uncomfortable and inconvenient and can interfere with your quality of life. Fortunately, effective treatment is available.

IBS Definitions

IBS is a term used for a group of “functional” bowel problems. “Functional” means that the problem lies with the way the bowels work, or function. “Bowels” refers to the intestines, including the colon — the muscular part of the large intestine through which partly digested food passes. The colon muscles push food along toward the rectum and anus, and the colon lining absorbs water from th…