

When functioning properly, the muscles of the digestive tract contract to move food through. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) occurs when normal digestive tract motility is disrupted, causing uncomfortable symptoms that affect about 1 in 6 Americans.
There are many possible causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. For example, there may be a problem with muscles in the intestine, or the intestine may be more sensitive to stretching or movement.
IBS can occur at any age, but it often begins in adolescence or early adulthood. It is more common in women and is the most common intestinal complaint for which patients are referred to a gastroenterologist. Stress can cause symptoms to worsen.
Your doctor can often diagnose Irritable Bowel Syndrome based on your symptoms. Eating a lactose-free diet for 2 weeks may help the doctor evaluate for a possible lactase deficiency.
There is no specific test to diagnose IBS, but tests may be done to rule out other problems:
The following lifestyle changes can be helpful in some cases of IBS:
No one medication will work for everyone, but your doctor may try: