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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Digestive System

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common, non‑damaging disorder of the large intestine that causes abdominal cramping, bloating, and fluctuating bowel habits.

Overview

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects the large intestine. It is characterized by abdominal cramping, bloating, and a change in bowel habits. Although the condition can cause significant discomfort, it does not harm the intestines.

Symptoms

  • Abdominal cramping
  • Bloating
  • Changes in bowel habits
  • Constipation (in some individuals)
  • Diarrhea (in some individuals)
  • Alternating episodes of constipation and diarrhea

Causes & Risk Factors

  • No exact cause is known.
  • More common in women—affects about twice as many women as men.
  • Most often diagnosed in people younger than 45 years.

Diagnosis

There is no specific test for IBS. Physicians typically perform tests to rule out other diseases, which may include:

  • Stool sampling tests
  • Blood tests
  • X‑rays
  • Sigmoidoscopy
  • Colonoscopy

Treatment & Management

Most people diagnosed with IBS can control their symptoms through a combination of:

  • Dietary adjustments
  • Stress management techniques
  • Probiotics
  • Medication

Frequently Asked Questions

low-FODMAP protocol should be conducted in three distinct phases under the guidance of a gastrointestinal dietitian. An initial strict elimination lasting 2 to 6 weeks is followed by a structured reintroduction phase where specific carbohydrate groups are challenged one at a time, culminating in a tailored, long-term maintenance plan that avoids unnecessary dietary restrictions.
No. Irritable bowel syndrome is classified as a disorder of gut-brain interaction and does not cause physical inflammation, ulceration, or permanent structural damage to the intestinal wall. Having IBS does not raise your statistical risk for Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or colorectal malignancies.
Warning signs that point away from uncomplicated IBS include unintended weight loss, rectal bleeding, nocturnal diarrhea that wakes you from sleep, a family history of colon cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, new onset of symptoms after age 50, and persistent iron-deficiency anemia. These symptoms require comprehensive evaluation, often including endoscopy or colonoscopy.
Low-dose neuromodulators, such as tricyclic antidepressants or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are used in IBS to treat visceral hypersensitivity rather than psychiatric illness. These medications alter signaling along the brain-gut axis, reducing the central nervous system's perception of pain and helping to normalize gastrointestinal transit time.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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