distress, but it does not cause permanent harm to
the intestines and does not lead to intestinal
bleeding of the bowel or to a serious disease such
as cancer.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common
disorder of the intestines that leads to crampy
pain, gassiness, bloating, and changes in bowel
habits.
The person with IBS seems to have a colon that is
more sensitive and reactive than usual, so it
responds strongly to stimuli that would not
bother most people.
People with IBS, on the other hand, usually have
crampy abdominal pain with painful constipation
or diarrhea.
IBS usually is diagnosed after doctors exclude the
presence of disease.
Many people report that their symptoms occur
following a meal or when they are under stress.
No one is sure why this happens, but scientists
have some clues.
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