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Symptoms of IBS can vary from person to person, but they most often include:
Contact your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:
Researchers don’t know exactly what causes IBS. It may be caused by problems with your nerves, hormones, or certain bacteria (germs) in the colon. A few things are known to cause symptoms in people with IBS, though. These include:
Anyone can get IBS, but it’s most common in people who are younger than 35, female, or have a parent or sibling who has IBS.
There is not a specific test for IBS. If you have symptoms, your doctor will start by taking a medical history and doing a physical exam.
Your doctor will also need to make sure your symptoms aren’t caused by another health problem. For this reason you will likely have a number of tests. These may include blood tests or a test of your stool sample. You may also have a test to look inside your colon (a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy).
If these tests don’t show you have another condition, your doctor may tell you that you have IBS.
Mild IBS is usually treated by changing your diet and lifestyle. These changes help manage your symptoms and relieve stress. If your IBS is more serious, your doctor may recommend certain medicines.
Your doctor may also recommend that you:
You cannot prevent irritable bowel syndrome. With proper self-care you may be able to ease the symptoms. You may also be able to extend the time between episodes. Proper self-care includes regular exercise, eating more fruits and vegetables, quitting smoking, and managing stress.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common medical condition of the large intestine (colon). BS is a chronic condition, meaning it doesn’t go away completely. Most people with IBS can learn how to manage it and reduce their symptoms. IBS does not increase your chances of having cancer or permanent colon damage.