Irritable Bowel Syndrome

In gastroenterology, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or spastic colon is a functional bowel disorder characterized by abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits which are not associated with any abnormalities seen on routine clinical testing. It is fairly common and makes up 20–50% of visits to gastroenterologists. Lower abdominal pain, and bloating associated with alteration of bowel habits and abdominal discomfort relieved with defecation are the most frequent symptoms. The abdominal pain type is usually described in a patient as either diarrhea-predominant (IBS-D), constipation-predominant (IBS-C) or IBS with alternating stool pattern (IBS-A). In some individuals, IBS may have an acute onset and develop after an infectious illness characterised by two or more of the following: fever, vomiting, acute diarrhea, or positive stool culture. This post-infective syndrome has consequently been termed "post-infectious IBS" (IBS-PI) and is acute onset Rome II criteria positive. This condition is more homogeneous, being mostly IBS-D and is drawing much clinical investigation.
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Irritable bowel syndrome is a common intestinal condition characterized by abdominal pain and cramps; changes in [more]Irritable bowel syndrome - Community and Resources

Noun
1. recurrent abdominal pain and diarrhea (often alternating with periods of constipation); often associated with emotional stress
(synonym) spastic colon, mucous colitis
(hypernym) colitis, inflammatory bowel disease

A common gastrointestinal disorder, also called spastic colitis, mucus colitis or nervous colon syndrome, IBS is an abnormal condition of gut contractions (motility) characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, mucous in stools, and irregular bowel habits with alternating diarrhea 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 excluding other illnesses. Treatment is directed toward relief of symptoms and includes high fiber diet, exercise, relaxation techniques, avoidance of caffeine, milk products and sweeteners, and medications.