✔️Medically reviewed content🔍130 medical reviewers in network🏆19 years of experience📈50 million monthly readers✔️Medically reviewed content🔍130 medical reviewers in network🏆19 years of experience📈50 million monthly readers✔️Medically reviewed content🔍130 medical reviewers in network🏆19 years of experience📈50 million monthly readers✔️Medically reviewed content🔍130 medical reviewers in network🏆19 years of experience📈50 million monthly readers

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Digestive SystemchronicVery Common

Also known as: IBS, Spastic Colon, Irritable Colon

1.1 billion people worldwide

affected Globally

Not fatal but severely impacts quality of life

death Rank

Most common in adults under 50

age Range

No - but flares can be prevented

preventable

Chronic - lifelong with episodic flares

duration

Irritable bowel syndrome is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by recurring abdominal pain associated with changes in bowel habits. Unlike inflammatory bowel disease, IBS does not cause visible damage to the digestive tract. It is classified as IBS-D (diarrhea), IBS-C (constipation), or IBS-M (mixed), and is strongly influenced by the gut-brain connection.

Who's at Risk?

Women (2x more common)

Adults under 50

Family history of IBS

History of anxiety or depression

Previous gastrointestinal infection

High stress levels

History of physical or sexual abuse

This information is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.

Related Conditions

Anxiety Disorder Acid Reflux / GERD Constipation Depression Food Poisoning

Health A-Z