Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common, long-term digestive disorder that affects the large intestine. It is characterized by abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits without identifiable structural damage to the digestive tract. IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder, meaning symptoms occur due to how the gut functions rather than visible disease.
Types of IBS
IBS is classified based on predominant bowel pattern:
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IBS-C – constipation-predominant
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IBS-D – diarrhea-predominant
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IBS-M – mixed constipation and diarrhea
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IBS-U – unclassified
Common Symptoms
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Abdominal pain or cramping
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Bloating and excess gas
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Constipation, diarrhea, or alternating between both
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Mucus in the stool
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Feeling of incomplete bowel emptying
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Symptoms often improve after a bowel movement
Symptoms may vary in intensity and can be triggered by stress, certain foods, or hormonal changes.
Causes
The exact cause of IBS is not fully understood. Contributing factors may include:
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Abnormal gut-brain interaction
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Altered bowel motility (too fast or too slow)
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Increased gut sensitivity
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Changes in gut bacteria
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Previous gastrointestinal infections
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Stress and psychological factors