See Also: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)(health)
irritable bowel syndrome(encyclopedia)
syndrome, irritable bowel(medicine)
irritable bowel syndrome(medicine)
irritable bowel disease(medicine)
gay bowel syndrome(medicine)
Short bowel syndrome(health)
short bowel syndrome(medicine)
bowel bypass syndrome(medicine)
massive bowel resection syndrome(medicine)

syndrome, irritable bowel (medicine)


syndrome, irritable bowel


A common gastrointestinal disorder (also called spastic colitis, mucus colitis or nervous colon syndrome), ibs is an abnormal condition of gut contractions (motility) characterised by abdominal pain, bloating, mucous in stools, and irregular bowel habits with more than alternating diarrhoea and constipation, symtoms that tend to be chronic and wax and wane over the years. Although ibs can cause chronic recurrent discomfort, it does not lead to any serious organ problems. Diagnosis usually involves more than excluding other illnesses. Treatment is directed toward relief of symptoms and includes high fibre diet, exercise, relaxation techniques, avoidance of caffeine, milk products and sweeteners, and medications.