What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
![IBS Symptoms](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/slideshow/understanding-ibs-s2-woman-touching-stomach.jpg?output-quality=75)
Irritable bowel syndrome is a gastrointestinal disorder characterized by the presence of a cluster of symptoms and signs in adults or children that include cramping, abdominal pain, increased gas, altered bowel habits, food intolerance, and bloating (distention).
Irritable bowel syndrome is a "functional" disorder. This term refers to the changes in the functioning of the digestive system that results in the collection of symptoms referred to as IBS, meaning that it is a problem with the movement (motility) rather than any damage to the tissues of the digestive system.
In the past, irritable bowel syndrome was also called spastic colon or bowel, functional bowel disease, mucous colitis, or nervous colon.
What causes and risk factors for IBS?
The exact cause of irritable bowel syndrome is unknown. It is believed to be due to several factors, including alteration in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract motility, abnormal nervous system signals, increased sensitivity to pain, and food intolerances.
The following are risk factors thought to cause IBS:
- Abnormal movements of the colon and small intestines (too fast or slow, or too strong)
- Hypersensitivity to pain from a full bowel or gas
- Food sensitivities, possibly caused by poor absorption of sugars or acids in food
- Gastroenteritis ("stomach flu" or "stomach bug"), a viral or bacterial infection of the stomach and intestines, may trigger IBS symptoms
- Psychological conditions such as anxiety or depression are observed in many people with IBS, though these conditions are not a direct cause of IBS.
- Reproductive hormones or neurotransmitters may be off-balance in people with IBS.
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
- Genetics is thought to be a possible cause of IBS, but so far, this hereditary link has not been proven.
Is there an IBS diet? What foods trigger IBS?
What you eat and how you eat can affect the symptoms of this condition. While it may not be possible to completely prevent IBS symptoms, you may find that certain foods trigger IBS symptoms. To help figure out which foods cause your symptoms, a doctor may suggest keeping a food diary.
Some foods can help in the prevention of symptoms.
Foods to eat that may provide symptom relief
- Dietary fiber supplements
- Water
- Low-fat foods
- High-carbohydrate foods (such as whole wheat pasta, brown rice, and whole grain pieces of bread)
- Probiotics (containing Lactobacillus acidophilus a and Bifidobacterium) and prebiotics
- Some people report kefir or Aloe Vera juice helps with symptoms. Talk to a doctor about these home remedies.
- A high-fiber diet may help relieve constipation in some cases of IBS, but it may also worsen some symptoms such as bloating and gas. The current recommended daily fiber intake is 20-35 grams daily. Most people fall short of this daily fiber intake and can benefit from a small increase in fiber, but it is best to increase the amount in your diet slowly to reduce gas.
Foods to avoid or limit if you have IBS
- Dairy products, including milk and cheese (Lactose intolerance symptoms can be similar to IBS symptoms.)
- Certain vegetables that increase gas (such as cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts) and legumes (such as beans)
- Fatty or fried foods
- Alcohol, caffeine, or soda
- Foods high in sugars
- Artificial sweeteners
- Chewing gum
- Nuts
What are the signs and symptoms of IBS?
Irritable bowel syndrome is characterized mostly by abdominal pain and cramping.
Other symptoms and signs include:
- Diarrhea (IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D) can come with sudden urges to have bowel movements and loose stools)
- Constipation (IBS with constipation (IBS-C) can be accompanied by straining during bowel movements and infrequent stools)
- Increased gas
- Abdominal swelling or bloating
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Cramping pain after eating certain foods
- Nausea
- Mucousy or foamy stool
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
While not technically a symptom, nearly 70% of people with IBS also experience indigestion.
Symptoms are often relieved by bowel movements. Women with IBS may have more symptoms during their menstrual periods.
![](https://images.medicinenet.com//images/slideshow/understanding-ibs-s1-bathroom-with-books.jpg)
SLIDESHOW
IBS - Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Symptoms, Diet, Treatment See SlideshowWhat are IBS-D (IBS with diarrhea) and IBS-C (IBS with constipation)?
IBS-D (IBS with diarrhea)
IBS-D stands for irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea.
The most common symptoms of IBS-D include:
- Frequent stools
- Feeling as if you are unable to completely empty your bowels during bowel movements
- Nausea.
- People with IBS-D also may experience signs and symptoms of:
- Gas
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Sudden urges to have a bowel movement
- Loose stools
IBS-C (IBS with constipation)
IBS-C stands for irritable bowel syndrome with constipation.
The most common symptoms of IBS-C include:
- Infrequent stools
- Straining during bowel movements
- Feeling as if you are unable to completely empty your bowels during bowel movements
- Feeling as if you need to have a bowel movement but are unable
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Gas
IBS vs. IBD: Are they the same bowel disease?
While both irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can have similar symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and urgent bowel movements, IBS is not the same as IBD.
- IBD is a group of separate diseases that includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease and is a more severe condition.
- IBS or Irritable bowel syndrome is considered a functional gastrointestinal disorder because there is abnormal bowel function. IBS is a group of symptoms and not a disease in itself, which is why it’s called a ‘syndrome,’ and it is considered less serious than IBD.
- IBS does not cause inflammation like inflammatory bowel disease, and it does not result in permanent damage to the intestines, intestinal bleeding, rectal bleeding, ulcers, or harmful complications that are often seen with IBD.
IBS vs. SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth): Are they the same disease?
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is considered one of the factors that may produce signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The medical data from studies done on SIBO are conflicting.
Some studies show an increase in gas production by intestinal bacteria as a cause of the pain and bloating associated with IBS. However, other studies done to determine if SIBO is the cause of IBS and if antibiotic treatment of SIBO helps reduce or eliminate IBS symptoms have not been conclusive.
Health News
- STD Specialists Warn of Shortage of Vital Syphilis Drug
- Immediate Body Contact With Parents Helps Preemie Newborns Thrive
- Identical Twins Study Shows Vegan Diets Helping the Heart
- Timing of Menopause Could Affect a Woman's Muscle Loss
- One Food Could Boost Health of Colon Cancer Survivors
More Health News ยป
Which types of doctors diagnose and treat IBS?
A primary-care provider or family-medicine specialist or a child's pediatrician may first diagnose irritable bowel syndrome. You will likely be referred to a gastroenterologist (a specialist in disorders of the digestive system) for further treatment.
How is IBS diagnosed?
Irritable bowel syndrome is diagnosed by excluding other GI disorders that can cause similar symptoms. A complete history and physical are taken to determine the duration and frequency of symptoms. To be diagnosed with the condition, the duration of symptoms should be at least 6 months and should occur at least 3 times a month.
A doctor may order tests, including blood tests, stool tests, X-rays, or CT scans. There is no specific finding on these tests that can confirm the diagnosis of IBS, however, other problems can be ruled out by performing them.
Irritable bowel syndrome test
Two relatively new blood tests may help diagnose irritable bowel syndrome. One test is for irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D), and the other is for irritable bowel syndrome with both diarrhea and constipation (irritable bowel syndrome mixed with IBS-M). Neither test can diagnose irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C).
Both blood tests are for anti-CdtB and anti-vinculin antibodies. It is thought that these antibodies develop in some patients after an acute bout of gastroenteritis that is caused by several different, common types of bacteria. The overgrowth of these bacteria in the gut may trigger an immune attack on the patient’s intestinal tissues (autoimmunity) with the ensuing inflammation and damage to the tissues causing the symptoms of IBS.
The tests may help distinguish between irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease or IBD, a different type of intestinal inflammatory disease that includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
The antibody tests seem to be useful in the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea IBS-D, but not IBS with constipation (IBS-C). The tests also appear to be specific, and if the antibodies are present, IBS is likely present. However, the tests are insensitive, meaning if the antibodies are not present, the patient still may have IBS. Thus, these irritable bowel syndrome tests may be identifying only a subset of patients with IBS, those with post-infectious IBS. Both IBS blood tests have not undergone rigorous testing, and have not yet been approved by the FDA. It is expected to be an expensive test costing $500 to over $1,000.
Other diagnostic tests
A doctor also may send the patient to a gastroenterologist (a specialist in the digestive system). Depending on the symptoms, an upper endoscopy and/or colonoscopy may be performed.
What is the treatment for IBS?
Dietary modifications are the first treatments that should be tried to treat IBS. There are several types of foods in particular that often trigger characteristic symptoms and signs.
If dietary modifications and lifestyle changes do not adequately treat the symptoms and signs, a doctor may recommend medical therapies.
What medications are used to treat and manage IBS-D and IBS-D?
Medicine for diarrhea
- Antidiarrheal medications such as loperamide (Imodium), attapulgite (Kaopectate), and diphenoxylate and atropine (Lomotil) can be helpful if loose stools are one of the main signs. Eluxadoline (Viberzi) is a prescription for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D).
- For females with IBS who experience severe diarrhea, alosetron (Lotronex) has been used.
- Rifaximin (Xifaxan) is an antibiotic for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) and IBS-related bloating.
- Bile acid binders including cholestyramine ( (Prevalite), colestipol (Colestid), or colesevelam (Welchol) can help some patients with IBS-D, but can also cause bloating.
Medicine for constipation medication
- Over-the-counter laxatives such as polyethylene glycol 3350 ( (MiraLax), bisacodyl (Dulcolax), and psyllium seed husks (Metamucil) can help relieve constipation and keep bowel movements regular. Senna laxatives (Senokot, Ex-Lax Gentle Nature) may be taken short-term. Prescription laxatives such as lactulose (Constulose) may also be prescribed.
- Two drugs specifically used to treat IBS are lubiprostone (Amitiza), a laxative, and linaclotide (Linzess), a constipation medication.
- SSRI antidepressants fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), and escitalopram (Lexapro) may be helpful for those with constipation (IBS-C), but they can trigger IBS attacks in patients with diarrhea (IBS-D).
Subscribe to MedicineNet's General Health Newsletter
By clicking Submit, I agree to the MedicineNet's Terms & Conditions & Privacy Policy and understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet's subscriptions at any time.
What other drugs are used in the treatment of IBS symptoms and signs?
- Antidepressants in low doses, such as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may help relieve symptoms associated with IBS.
- Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) and magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia).
- Antibiotics may be used when small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is suspected.
- Antianxiety medications such as diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), and clonazepam (Klonopin) are occasionally prescribed short-term for people whose anxiety worsens their irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.
What medications treat IBS pain and cramping?
- Antispasmodics, such as metoclopramide (Reglan), dicyclomine (Bentyl), and hyoscyamine (Levsin), decrease symptoms of pain and cramping.
- Antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Paregoric), doxepin ( (Silenor), desipramine (Norpramin), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and imipramine (Tofranil) may help with abdominal pain but due to side effects are usually reserved for severe cases.
What home remedies or other lifestyle changes help IBS symptoms?
Some lifestyle changes that can also help relieve symptoms are as follows:
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals
- Quit smoking
- Exercise regularly
- Take probiotics
- Avoid caffeine
- Use stress management and relaxation techniques
- Mindfulness training
- Gut-directed hypnosis
- Biofeedback
- Pain-management techniques
- Cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy
- Regular exercise such as walking or yoga
- Get an adequate amount of sleep
- Try ginger or peppermint, which may help with digestion
- Avoid laxatives unless prescribed by your healthcare professional
What is a low FODMAP diet?
A low FODMAP diet may also help relieve symptoms of IBS. FODMAP refers to a group of short-chain carbohydrates (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols) that are not well absorbed in the small intestine and are rapidly fermented by bacteria in the gut. These bacteria produce gas, which can contribute to IBS symptoms.
The lists of foods both high and low in FODMAPs are extensive. The International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, Inc. (IFFGD) has suggestions for foods to eat and foods to avoid if you follow the FODMAP diet for IBS. Talk to your doctor for more information.
From ![WebMD Logo](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/promo/logo_webmd.gif)
Health Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Is there a cure for IBS?
There is no known cure for IBS, but there are many treatment options to reduce or eliminate symptoms. Good communication with a doctor is important to help manage this condition.
What is the prognosis for IBS?
Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic disease with symptoms that tend to come and go. The overall prognosis for patients with IBS depends on the severity and frequency of symptoms, and the patient's ability to control these symptoms, whether by diet, lifestyle changes, or medications.
What are the complications of IBS?
In general, there are few complications associated with this functional disease other than the symptoms of the disease itself. If someone has hemorrhoids, the diarrhea and constipation associated with IBS may irritate them. Moreover, a diet that is too strict limits nutrients that could cause problems related to lack of proper nutrition.
The biggest complication of IBS may be the quality of life. The stress and anxiety as well as the impact on daily activities the condition can cause may be troublesome for patients.
Irritable bowel syndrome does not lead to the following:
- Colon cancer
- Rectal bleeding
- Inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis or UC
Can IBS be prevented?
It may not be possible to prevent developing IBS, but you can take steps to prevent symptoms from occurring or worsening. As discussed earlier, dietary and lifestyle changes can help you manage symptoms. To identify food triggers, your doctor may suggest that you keep a food diary and avoid foods that cause symptoms. Manage stress and anxiety, and try cognitive therapy or psychotherapy if needed.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America. "IBS and IBD: Two Very Different Disorders." Published June 2012.
<http://www.ccfa.org/resources/ibs-and-ibd-two-very.html>
Dalton, Christine B., and Douglas A. Drossman. "The Use of Antidepressants in the Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Other Functional GI Disorders." UNC Center for Functional GI & Motility Disorders. <https://www.med.unc.edu/ibs/files/educational-gi-handouts/IBS%20and%20Antidepressants.pdf>.
El-Salhy, M. "Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Diagnosis and Pathogenesis." World J Gastroenterol 18.37 Oct. 7, 2012: 5151-5163.
Lehrer, J., MD. "Irritable Bowel Syndrome." Medscape. Updated Oct 10, 2016.
<http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/180389-overview>
International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders. About IBS.
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. "Eating, Diet, and Nutrition for Irritable Bowel Syndrome." Updated: Fe 23, 2015.
<https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome/Pages/eating-diet-nutrition.aspx>
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. "Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)."
<https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome/Pages/overview.aspx>
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. "Eating, Diet, & Nutrition for Irritable Bowel Syndrome." February 2015.
<https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome/eating-diet-nutrition>
Novak, K. A Serologic Test for Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Other News from ACG. Gastroenterology. Oct 21, 2013.
Owens, D.M., et al. "The Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Long-Term Prognosis and the Physician-Patient Interaction." Ann Intern Med. 122.2 Jan. 1995: 107-112.
Pimentel, M., et al. Development and Validation of a Biomarker for Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Human Subjects. Published: May 13, 2015.
Rahimi, Roja, Shekoufeh Nikfar, Ali Rezaie, and Mohammad Abdollahi. "Efficacy of Tricyclic Antidepressants in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis." World J Gastroenterol 15.13 Apr. 7 2009: 1548-1553.
Reid, Amy. "12 Home Remedies For Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Ibs)." July, 21 2015.
<http://olwomen.com/home-remedies-for-irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/>
Rezaie, A., et al. Assessment of Anti-vinculin and Anti-cytolethal Distending Toxin B Antibodies in Subtypes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Dig Dis Sci. 2017 Jun;62(6):1480-1485.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. "Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome." February 2015.
<https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome/treatment>
Tuteja, Ashok K., Nicholas J. Talley, Sandra K. Joos, and David H. Hickam. "Overlap of functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome in a community sample." American Journal of Gastroenterology 98, S272 Sept. 2003. <http://www.nature.com/ajg/journal/v98/n9s/full/ajg20031460a.html>.
United States. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. "Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Children." June 2014. <http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/digestive-diseases/ibs-in-children/Pages/facts.aspx>
United States. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. "Symptoms and Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome." <http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome/Pages/symptoms-causes.aspx>.
University of Maryland Medical Center. "Irritable Bowel Syndrome." Jan. 11, 2014. <http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/irritable-bowel-syndrome>.
Wald, Arnold. "Patient Information: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Beyond the Basics)." UpToDate.com. Feb. 2016. <http://www.uptodate.com/contents/irritable-bowel-syndrome-beyond-the-basics>.
Walters, Julian R.F. "Managing Bile Acid Diarrhoea." Therap Adv Gastroenterol 3.6 Nov. 2010: 349-357. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3002596/>.
Wald, A., MD. "Pathophysiology of Irritable Bowel Syndrome." UpToDate. Updated: Aug 11, 2016.
<http://www.uptodate.com/contents/pathophysiology-of-irritable-bowel-syndrome>
Top Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Related Articles
Abdomen Picture
The abdomen (commonly called the belly) is the body space between the thorax (chest) and pelvis. See a picture of the Abdomen and learn more about the health topic.Bacterial Infections 101
Get more information on bacterial skin infections, which bacteria cause food poisoning, sexually transmitted bacteria, and more. Explore the most common bacterial infections.Boost Digestive Health
Upset stomach? Some foods may be the culprits, and bad habits may be to blame. Treat your body right with these simple nutrition tips on how to deal with with diarrhea, gas, reflux, and more digestive ailments.CT Scan (Computerized Tomography)
A CT scan is an X-ray procedure that combines many X-ray images with the aid of a computer to generate cross-sectional and three-dimensional images of internal organs and structures of the body. A CT scan is a low-risk procedure. Contrast material may be injected into a vein or the spinal fluid to enhance the scan.Colonoscopy Procedure and Preparation
A colonoscopy is a procedure whereby a docotor inserts a viewing tube (colonoscope) into the rectum for the purpose of inspecting the colon. Colonoscopy is the best method currently available to diagnose, detect, and treat abnormalities within the colon.Cramps But No Period
Having cramps but no period can occur because of conditions other than your monthly menstrual cycle. They may feel like period cramps of the lower abdomen when you are not due for your period and produce no blood. These 12 diseases and conditions are examples of what can cause abdominal cramping when not on period.Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a change in the frequency and looseness of bowel movements. Symptoms associated with diarrhea are cramping, abdominal pain, and the sensation of rectal urgency. Causes of diarrhea include viral, bacterial, or parasite infection, gastroenteritis, food poisoning, and drugs. Absorbents and anti-motility medications are used to treat diarrhea.Digestive Disorders: Worst Foods for Digestion
Discover which foods to avoid in order to prevent diarrhea and digestive problems. Find out which foods can trigger diarrhea and other digestive problems such as gas, bloating, indigestion, heartburn and more.Endoscopy (EGD) Procedure
Endoscopy is a broad term used to described examining the inside of the body using an lighted, flexible instrument called an endoscope. Endoscopy procedure is performed on a patient to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum; and look for causes of symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, or intestinal bleeding.
Gastric Emptying Study
A gastric emptying study is a procedure that is done by nuclear medicine physicians using radioactive chemicals that measures the speed with which food empties from the stomach and enters the small intestine. A gastric emptying study often is used when there is a possibility of an abnormal delay in food emptying from the stomach. Medically, this is called delayed gastric emptying. The two most common causes of delayed gastric emptying are gastric outlet obstruction and gastroparesis.IBS Slideshow
What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? Learn about symptoms, causes, and foods that trigger IBS. Get lifestyle tips for managing IBS through diet and with IBS medications.Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Quiz
What are symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? Take this quiz and get quick facts on causes and treatment options for this common and uncomfortable digestive disorder.Low FODMAP Diet for IBS
FODMAPs are foods that contain sugar alcohols and short chain carbohydrates. The gut can't digest them very well. There are "low" FODMAP foods and "high" FODMAP foods. Foods high in FODMAPs lay in the gut and ferment, which causes symptoms of:
- Excessive gas
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
Some people with digestive diseases and disorders, for example, IBS, microscopic colitis, IBD (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), and other functional bowel disorders often are placed on a low FODMAP diet to decrease the amount of high FODMAPs foods in the diet, which create uncomfortable symptoms.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan)
MRI (or magnetic resonance imaging) scan is a radiology technique which uses magnetism, radio waves, and a computer to produce images of body structures. MRI scanning is painless and does not involve X-ray radiation. Patients with heart pacemakers, metal implants, or metal chips or clips in or around the eyes cannot be scanned with MRI because of the effect of the magnet.Top 12 Foods for Constipation Relief
Constipation is a common problem, and almost everyone has been constipated at one time or another. There are foods that can help prevent constipation and also provide relief, for example, kiwi, prunes, beans (your choice of type), berries, certain seeds, potatoes, and popcorn.15 Foods That Cause Constipation
Constipation or the decrease in frequency and/or difficulty in passing stools (bowel movements) can be caused by a variety of problems. Check out these top 15 foods to avoid because they cause constipation. Some foods to avoid include, white rice and bread, caffeine, bananas, alcohol, processed foods, and frozen dinners.Tummy Trouble Quiz
Tummy Troubles? Get a better idea of what's causing the nausea, vomiting, bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, pain, and other gastrointestinal discomforts and problems. Take the Tummy Troubles Quiz!