Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects approximately 10-20% of the general population. It is the most common disease diagnosed by gastroenterologists and one of the most common disorders seen by primary care physicians.

Irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by a group of symptoms in which abdominal pain or discomfort is associated with a change in bowel pattern. Those affected by IBS can be grouped into three categories or subgroups: Diarrhea predominant, Constipation predominant, and those with alternating bowel movements.
Irritable bowel syndrome is generally classified as a "functional" disorder, where the primary abnormality is an altered physiological function of the way the body works. There is no visible anatomic abnormality that can be seen on examination, x-ray, or colonoscopy.
Irritable bowel syndrome is a multi-faceted disorder. People with IBS experience symptoms resulting from a disturbance in the interaction between the intestines, the brain, and the autonomic nervous system that alters regulation of bowel motility (motor function) or sensory function.


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