Occurring mainly in people aged 20–30 years of age, IBS affects up to 1 in 5 people and is two to three times more common in women than men. It causes bouts of recurrent abdominal pain and possibly bloating, associated with changes in the frequency or appearance of stools. The pain is often relieved by defecation.
The cause is unknown, but IBS can be triggered by a bout of gastroenteritis. It is a long-term, intermittent condition; flare-ups can be brought on by alcohol, caffeine, stress, and certain foods.
It is diagnosed by the symptoms, physical examination, and blood tests. Lifestyle changes, dietary modification, and increasing soluble fiber intake can lessen symptoms. During flare-ups, drugs may help regulate bowel habits and relieve abdominal spasms.
