IBS causes a great deal of discomfort and

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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