Points to Remember About Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder that interferes with the normal functions of the colon. The symptoms are crampy abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.



• Irritable bowel syndrome is a common disorder found more often in women than in men and usually begins around age 20.



• People with irritable bowel syndrome have colons that are more sensitive and react to things that might not bother other people, such as stress, large meals, gas, medicines, certain foods, caffeine, or alcohol.



• Irritable bowel syndrome is diagnosed by its symptoms and by the absence of other diseases.



• Most people can control their symptoms by taking medicines (laxatives, antidiarrhea medicines, tranquilizers, or antidepressants), reducing stress, and changing their diet.



• Irritable bowel syndrome does not harm the intestines and does not lead to cancer. It is not related to Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

source: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/ibs/index.htm