Irritable bowel syndrome is a common digestive disorder that affects the GI tract. It involves a group of symptoms that occur together, including repeated abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements, such as diarrhea, constipation, or both. These symptoms often appear without any visible signs of damage or disease in the digestive tract.
The most common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome include abdominal pain, often linked to bowel movements, along with changes in stool consistency. These changes may involve diarrhea, constipation, or both, depending on the type of condition. While no single cause has been identified, several factors may contribute, such as abnormal intestinal motility, nervous system irregularities, inflammation, changes in gut microbiota (especially after an infection or antibiotic use), and certain triggers.
Doctors may treat irritable bowel syndrome by recommending changes in what you eat and other lifestyle changes, medicines, probiotics and mental health therapies. You may have to try a few treatments to see what works best for you. Your doctor can help you find the right treatment plan.
Your doctor may recommend changes in your diet to help treat symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Changes may include eating more fiber, avoiding gluten, or following a special diet called the low FODMAP diet.
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