Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Overview

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, or altered bowel habits with abnormal stool form, that is persistent or intermittent. It lacks structural or biochemical abnormalities.

Symptoms

• Abdominal pain
• Abdominal distension
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Altered bowel habits

Treatment

Management is based on adjusting diet and lifestyle and relieving mental stress, with symptomatic medication according to symptoms such as diarrhea or constipation. A regular routine and moderate exercise help improve symptoms.

Dietary advice

Eat regular meals, identify and reduce trigger foods, and avoid gas-producing, spicy foods and excess caffeine. Diarrhea-predominant patients may limit dairy, and constipation-predominant patients should increase fiber and fluids.