FAQ Category: Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms and Causes

Yes. People often have “flare-up” periods where symptoms worsen, and times when symptoms are mild or absent

IBS is fairly common. Studies estimate that between 10% and 15% of adults in the United States have it.

Some of the most common symptoms include: Recurrent abdominal pain or cramping, often relieved by bowel movements Bloating, gas, and abdominal distension Changes in bowel habits: diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between the two Feeling like you can’t completely empty your bowels Mucus in the stool (whiteish mucus) Sometimes nausea, backache, urinary symptoms, fatigue (less frequent)

IBS is a chronic disorder affecting the large intestine, characterized by abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or both). It is a functional gastrointestinal disorder  meaning the gut appears normal structurally but doesn’t function normally.