Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsTypesCausesTriggersDiagnosisTreatmentLifestyle and DietComplicationsIs There a Cure?When to Seek CareNext in IBS GuideWhat Are the Different Types of IBS?
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Types
Causes
Triggers
Diagnosis
Treatment
Lifestyle and Diet
Complications
Is There a Cure?
When to Seek Care
Next in IBS Guide
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects the gastrointestinal (GI) system. Symptoms include abdominal pain and cramping,bloating, diarrhea, and/or constipation. Women and people younger than age 50 are more likely to develop IBS.
This article discusses the diagnosis and types of IBS, along with its symptoms, risk factors, triggers, and treatments.
Svitlana Hulko / Getty Images
What Are the Symptoms of IBS?
As IBS affects the GI tract, the main symptoms are felt in the abdominal area and related to bowel movements.Common IBS symptomsinclude:
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TerminologyWhen citing health authorities or research, the terms for sex or gender from those sources are used.
Terminology
When citing health authorities or research, the terms for sex or gender from those sources are used.
IBS Symptoms in Women
Women with IBShave reported more symptoms than men, including fatigue, insomnia,backache,depression, anxiety, and lower quality of life.More women than men seem to have the subtype of IBS with constipation.
People who menstruate tend to experience more IBS symptoms during their menstrual period.There also seems to be an overlap of IBS symptoms and symptoms ofendometriosis, warranting further investigation if you have been diagnosed with IBS but are still experiencing GI or gynecological-related symptoms.
IBS Prevalence in WomenWhen looking at prevalence, many studies show that women are up to two times more likely to develop IBS than men.However, this higher prevalence of IBS in women may vary according to geographic region. In the United States, Israel, and Canada, IBS is twice as prevalent in women, but in Asia, it is about equal between men and women.
IBS Prevalence in Women
When looking at prevalence, many studies show that women are up to two times more likely to develop IBS than men.However, this higher prevalence of IBS in women may vary according to geographic region. In the United States, Israel, and Canada, IBS is twice as prevalent in women, but in Asia, it is about equal between men and women.
When looking at prevalence, many studies show that women are up to two times more likely to develop IBS than men.
However, this higher prevalence of IBS in women may vary according to geographic region. In the United States, Israel, and Canada, IBS is twice as prevalent in women, but in Asia, it is about equal between men and women.
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Types of IBS
Though IBS encompasses a group of symptoms, there arethree main subtypesthat are defined based on patterns of bowel movements.With IBS, many people have days of normal bowel movements, while on other days, they have abnormal bowel movements.
The subtypes are:
Some people who mainly experience one subtype of IBS may later change to a different subtype.Knowing the subtype of IBS you have can help yourhealthcare providerbetter treat your IBS.
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What Are the Causes and Risk Factors for IBS?
Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional gastrointestinal disorder related to how your brain and gut work together.
There is two-way communication between the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the enteric nervous system (in the gut). This links thegut microbiota(a wide variety of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms) and the brain. This bidirectional signaling pathway is called the gut-brain axis.
When this signaling is disordered, your gut is more sensitive and you may feel symptoms such as bloating and abdominal pain. The muscle contractions in your gut may also be affected, which can lead to constipation or diarrhea.
Experts aren’t sure exactlywhat causes IBS. They think a combination of risk factors may be to blame. Below are factors that may increase your risk of developing IBS:
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What Triggers IBS?
IBS triggersare different for each person with IBS. Not everyone will react to each item on this list. However, there are some common triggers that seem to bring on symptoms in many people with IBS. These include:
Stress and the Gut-Brain Axis in IBSStress can stimulate the gut-brain axis, leading to aflare-upof symptoms in IBS.Because IBS symptoms are sensitive to stress, the treatment of IBS should also focus on stress management.
Stress and the Gut-Brain Axis in IBS
Stress can stimulate the gut-brain axis, leading to aflare-upof symptoms in IBS.Because IBS symptoms are sensitive to stress, the treatment of IBS should also focus on stress management.
How to Diagnose IBS
Todiagnose IBS, a healthcare provider will first review your symptoms as well as your family and medical histories. They will perform a physical exam usually including checking for abdominal tenderness, pain, and bloating, as well as listening to sounds within your abdomen.
Your healthcare provider might also order some tests to help rule out other potential causes for your symptoms. These tests may include:
Treatment for IBS
Treatment for IBSwill vary based on your individual symptoms. You may have to try different treatments to see what works best for you. Your healthcare provider can help guide you in choosing the best treatment plan for you.
Below are medication, dietary supplement, and mental health treatment options for IBS.
Medicationtreatment options may include:
Dietary supplement treatment options may include:
Mental health treatment options may include:
Lifestyle and Diet for IBS
Another big aspect of treating and managing IBS is lifestyle anddiet.Your healthcare provider may refer you to aregistered dietitianto help guide you in identifying your individual diet triggers for IBS.
Lifestyle and diet treatment options may include:
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Complications of IBS
Unlike some other gastrointestinal disorders, there is usually no inflammation found in the GI tract with IBS.However, irregular bowel movements may increase the risk of hemorrhoids orimpacted bowels. Chronic diarrhea may increase the risk of dehydration.
Long-term dietary restrictions may lead to nutritional deficiencies or othernutritional concerns. Working with a registered dietitian who specializes in IBS can help ensure you are meeting all your nutritional needs.
Due to the frequency and severity of symptoms in people with moderate to severe IBS, there may be a decrease in quality of life. For example, irregular bowel movements and abdominal pain may lead people to avoid, cancel, or leave early from social engagements and cause problems at work, including increased missed days of work.
People with IBS have an increased number of healthcare visits, diagnostic tests, and surgeries.They also tend to havemore anxietyand depression than those without IBS.
Is There a Cure for IBS?
Currently, there is no cure for IBS. IBS is a chronic (long-term) condition thatcan affect people for their whole lives. However, symptoms are often manageable and can improve with a proper treatment plan, including diet and lifestyle changes.
Each person’s journey with IBS is different. Some people experience symptoms only a few days a month, while others might have symptoms daily for weeks or months. Working with a healthcare provider to develop an effective treatment plan can help decrease symptoms and improve quality of life.
When to See a Healthcare Provider for IBS
People with IBS will often experience days with constipation and/or diarrhea. However, if symptoms are continuous and include severe abdominal pain, it is a good idea to make an appointment with a healthcare provider, such as agastroenterologist.
If you have been following a prescribed treatment plan for at least three months and have not seen any improvement, schedule an appointment to reevaluate your treatment plan. Additionally, if you experience new symptoms not typical of IBS, contact your healthcare provider immediately:
18 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts for irritable bowel syndrome.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of irritable bowel syndrome.International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.IBS in women.Kim YS, Kim N.Sex-gender differences in irritable bowel syndrome.J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2018;24(4):544-558. doi:10.5056/jnm18082Chey WD, Kurlander J, Eswaran S.Irritable bowel syndrome: a clinical review.JAMA. 2015;313(9):949-958. doi:10.1001/jama.2015.0954.International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Overview of symptoms.Henström M, D’Amato M.Genetics of irritable bowel syndrome.Mol Cell Pediatr. 2016;3(1):7. doi:10.1186/s40348-016-0038-6International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.IBS diet.International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Psychological factors and IBS.Philpott HL, Nandurkar S, Lubel J, Gibson PR.Drug-induced gastrointestinal disorders.Frontline Gastroenterol. 2014;5(1):49-57. doi:10.1136/flgastro-2013-100316Raskov H, Burcharth J, Pommergaard HC, Rosenberg J.Irritable bowel syndrome, the microbiota and the gut-brain axis.Gut Microbes. 2016;7(5):365-383. doi:10.1080/19490976.2016.1218585National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for irritable bowel syndrome.DailyMed.Label: Lotronex- alosetron hydrochloride tablet.Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.IBS vs. IBD.Corsetti M, Whorwell P.The global impact of IBS: time to think about IBS-specific models of care?Therap Adv Gastroenterol. 2017;10(9):727-736. doi:10.1177/1756283X17718677International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.What is IBS?Banerjee A, Sarkhel S, Sarkar R, Dhali GK.Anxiety and depression in irritable bowel syndrome.Indian J Psychol Med. 2017;39(6):741-745. doi:10.4103/IJPSYM.IJPSYM_46_17
18 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts for irritable bowel syndrome.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of irritable bowel syndrome.International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.IBS in women.Kim YS, Kim N.Sex-gender differences in irritable bowel syndrome.J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2018;24(4):544-558. doi:10.5056/jnm18082Chey WD, Kurlander J, Eswaran S.Irritable bowel syndrome: a clinical review.JAMA. 2015;313(9):949-958. doi:10.1001/jama.2015.0954.International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Overview of symptoms.Henström M, D’Amato M.Genetics of irritable bowel syndrome.Mol Cell Pediatr. 2016;3(1):7. doi:10.1186/s40348-016-0038-6International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.IBS diet.International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Psychological factors and IBS.Philpott HL, Nandurkar S, Lubel J, Gibson PR.Drug-induced gastrointestinal disorders.Frontline Gastroenterol. 2014;5(1):49-57. doi:10.1136/flgastro-2013-100316Raskov H, Burcharth J, Pommergaard HC, Rosenberg J.Irritable bowel syndrome, the microbiota and the gut-brain axis.Gut Microbes. 2016;7(5):365-383. doi:10.1080/19490976.2016.1218585National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for irritable bowel syndrome.DailyMed.Label: Lotronex- alosetron hydrochloride tablet.Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.IBS vs. IBD.Corsetti M, Whorwell P.The global impact of IBS: time to think about IBS-specific models of care?Therap Adv Gastroenterol. 2017;10(9):727-736. doi:10.1177/1756283X17718677International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.What is IBS?Banerjee A, Sarkhel S, Sarkar R, Dhali GK.Anxiety and depression in irritable bowel syndrome.Indian J Psychol Med. 2017;39(6):741-745. doi:10.4103/IJPSYM.IJPSYM_46_17
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts for irritable bowel syndrome.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of irritable bowel syndrome.International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.IBS in women.Kim YS, Kim N.Sex-gender differences in irritable bowel syndrome.J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2018;24(4):544-558. doi:10.5056/jnm18082Chey WD, Kurlander J, Eswaran S.Irritable bowel syndrome: a clinical review.JAMA. 2015;313(9):949-958. doi:10.1001/jama.2015.0954.International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Overview of symptoms.Henström M, D’Amato M.Genetics of irritable bowel syndrome.Mol Cell Pediatr. 2016;3(1):7. doi:10.1186/s40348-016-0038-6International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.IBS diet.International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Psychological factors and IBS.Philpott HL, Nandurkar S, Lubel J, Gibson PR.Drug-induced gastrointestinal disorders.Frontline Gastroenterol. 2014;5(1):49-57. doi:10.1136/flgastro-2013-100316Raskov H, Burcharth J, Pommergaard HC, Rosenberg J.Irritable bowel syndrome, the microbiota and the gut-brain axis.Gut Microbes. 2016;7(5):365-383. doi:10.1080/19490976.2016.1218585National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for irritable bowel syndrome.DailyMed.Label: Lotronex- alosetron hydrochloride tablet.Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.IBS vs. IBD.Corsetti M, Whorwell P.The global impact of IBS: time to think about IBS-specific models of care?Therap Adv Gastroenterol. 2017;10(9):727-736. doi:10.1177/1756283X17718677International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.What is IBS?Banerjee A, Sarkhel S, Sarkar R, Dhali GK.Anxiety and depression in irritable bowel syndrome.Indian J Psychol Med. 2017;39(6):741-745. doi:10.4103/IJPSYM.IJPSYM_46_17
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts for irritable bowel syndrome.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of irritable bowel syndrome.
International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.IBS in women.
Kim YS, Kim N.Sex-gender differences in irritable bowel syndrome.J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2018;24(4):544-558. doi:10.5056/jnm18082
Chey WD, Kurlander J, Eswaran S.Irritable bowel syndrome: a clinical review.JAMA. 2015;313(9):949-958. doi:10.1001/jama.2015.0954.
International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Overview of symptoms.
Henström M, D’Amato M.Genetics of irritable bowel syndrome.Mol Cell Pediatr. 2016;3(1):7. doi:10.1186/s40348-016-0038-6
International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.IBS diet.
International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Psychological factors and IBS.
Philpott HL, Nandurkar S, Lubel J, Gibson PR.Drug-induced gastrointestinal disorders.Frontline Gastroenterol. 2014;5(1):49-57. doi:10.1136/flgastro-2013-100316
Raskov H, Burcharth J, Pommergaard HC, Rosenberg J.Irritable bowel syndrome, the microbiota and the gut-brain axis.Gut Microbes. 2016;7(5):365-383. doi:10.1080/19490976.2016.1218585
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for irritable bowel syndrome.
DailyMed.Label: Lotronex- alosetron hydrochloride tablet.
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.IBS vs. IBD.
Corsetti M, Whorwell P.The global impact of IBS: time to think about IBS-specific models of care?Therap Adv Gastroenterol. 2017;10(9):727-736. doi:10.1177/1756283X17718677
International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.What is IBS?
Banerjee A, Sarkhel S, Sarkar R, Dhali GK.Anxiety and depression in irritable bowel syndrome.Indian J Psychol Med. 2017;39(6):741-745. doi:10.4103/IJPSYM.IJPSYM_46_17
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