What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

People who have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have digestive tracts that react abnormally to certain substances or to stress. This leads to symptoms like cramps, gas, bloating, pain, constipation, and diarrhea. IBS is sometimes called "spastic colon." It is a common health problem. It is not a disease. But rather it's a group of symptoms that happen together.

Muscle contraction moves food through the digestive tract.

IBS is a motility problem

The muscle movement that passes food through the digestive tract (especially the colon) is called motility. When you have IBS, this movement is disrupted. Motility may speed up, slow down, or become irregular. If stool passes too quickly through the colon, not enough water is absorbed from it. You may have loose, watery stools (diarrhea). If stool passes through the colon too slowly, too much water is absorbed and the stool becomes hard and dry. You may then have constipation. Also, stool and gas may back up. This can cause painful pressure and cramping.

In part, IBS is also a problem of increased sensation. Sensations in the digestive tract may set off pain in IBS. They would not do so in someone without IBS.

No single test can diagnose IBS. Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms. You may also have blood, stool, or radiologic tests. You may even need a colonoscopy. These tests are done mainly to rule out other concerns. 

What causes IBS?

Lots of research has been done on IBS. But the cause is still not fully known. Some of the possible factors are: 

• Smoking, eating certain foods, drinking alcohol, or caffeinated drinks can cause, or "trigger," symptoms of IBS.

• IBS may be caused by a problem with the nerves or muscles in your digestive tract.

• Some evidence suggests that certain bacteria found after a severe gastrointestinal infection in the small intestine and colon may cause IBS.

• Stress and anxiety tend to make the symptoms of IBS worse. But it is not believed to be the primary cause. 

What you can do

Medicine can’t cure IBS, but it may help manage the symptoms. It may help your digestive tract work better. Your healthcare provider may prescribe one or more medicines for you. Because some medicines may make IBS worse, don’t take any medicine, especially laxatives, unless your healthcare provider prescribes it for you.

Your healthcare provider may also suggest some lifestyle changes to help control your IBS. You may have to change your diet and learn to better manage your stress. Yoga and mindfulness have been shown to ease IBS symptoms. Dietary changes can also be helpful. If diet changes are advised, talk with a dietitian. They can help you keep a healthy nutritional balance in your food intake.