Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that occurs at all ages and in both sexes. It is one of the functional disorders of the digestive system. To date, no medically demonstrable organic cause or abnormality has been found behind it.
How it develops is not precisely known, but it is assumed that, in addition to motility disorders of the bowel and visceral hypersensitivity, changes in the bacterial composition and quantity in the gut, certain non-IBS-specific inflammatory processes and psychosocial factors may also play a role. The symptoms of the disease are varied and cover a wide range: besides the digestive system, symptoms and complaints outside the digestive system may also appear. Periodic cramping abdominal pain of varying severity is common. The location of the pain can also vary, and its intensity can range from mild to very severe. Emotional stress and eating can trigger or worsen the symptoms.
Bowel problems are common in IBS. Frequent diarrhoea, constipation, or alternating between the two can occur. In some cases, periods of normal bowel habits may alternate with temporary periods of constipation. A period of constipation can last for days or even months, and periods with normal bowel movements or diarrhoea may occur in between. In such cases, too, the patient may feel after a bowel movement that they have not emptied completely. Heartburn, reflux symptoms, difficulty swallowing, early satiety, intermittent indigestion, nausea and non-cardiac chest pain can also be fairly common symptoms. Alongside constipation, bloating, increased gas production, frequent passing of wind and belching are also not uncommon.
