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About Irritable Bowel Syndrome
(IBS)

	New Book on IBS by Noted Expert Offers Help for Millions: Conquering Irritable Bowel Syndrome by Nicholas J Talley, MD
Who we are: IFFGD is a registered nonprofit education and research organization founded in 1991.
News
Congressional Alert: House Members Act in Support of IBS Patients
Takeda Employees Walk Supports Digestive Health
IFFGD Begins New Web Site on GI Motility Disorders
IFFGD is seeking nominations for 2007 Research Awards.
Why Donate to IFFGD?
Volunteers in Boston area needed for IBS study. Find out more here.
Visit new IFFGD web site about Constipation.
Informative public television broadcast on IBS. View it here.

Most individuals are surprised to learn they are not alone with symptoms of IBS. In fact, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects approximately 10-15% or more of the general population. It is the most common disease diagnosed by gastroenterologists (doctors who specialize in medical treatment of disorders of the stomach and intestines) and one of the most common disorders seen by primary care physicians.

Sometimes irritable bowel syndrome is referred to as spastic colon, mucous colitis, spastic colitis, nervous stomach, or irritable colon.

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is generally classified as a "functional" disorder. A functional disorder refers to a disorder or disease where the primary abnormality is an altered physiological function (the way the body works), rather than an identifiable structural or biochemical cause. It characterizes a disorder that generally can not be diagnosed in a traditional way; that is, as an inflammatory, infectious, or structural abnormality that can be seen by commonly used examination, x-ray, or blood test.

Irritable bowel syndrome is understood as a multi-faceted disorder. In people with IBS, symptoms result from what appears to be a disturbance in the interaction between the gut or intestines, the brain, and the autonomic nervous system that alters regulation of bowel motility (motor function) or sensory function.

Irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by a group of symptoms in which abdominal pain or discomfort is associated with a change in bowel pattern, such as loose or more frequent bowel movements, diarrhea, and/or constipation.

Treatment options are available to manage BS—whether symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe.

Last updated August 26, 2006

© Copyright 1999-2006 International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, Inc. (IFFGD). All Rights Reserved. The information on this site is provided for information purposes and is in no way intended to replace the knowledge or diagnosis of your doctor. Our intention is to focus on overall health issues or strategies. For specific guidance regarding personal health questions, we advise consultation with a qualified health care professional familiar with your particular circumstances. We advise seeing a physician whenever a health problem arises requiring an expert's care. Privacy and General Policies.