Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the large intestine (colon). The condition is the most common intestinal complaint for which patients are referred to a gastroenterologist.

Irritable bowel syndrome commonly causes cramping, abdominal pain, bloating gas, diarrhea and constipation. Despite these uncomfortable signs and symptoms, IBS doesn't cause permanent damage to your colon.

It is not clear why patients develop IBS, but in some instances, it occurs after an intestinal infection. This is called postinfectious IBS. There may also be other triggers.

Most people with IBS find that symptoms improve as they learn to control their condition. Only a small number of people with irritable bowel syndrome have severe signs and symptoms. Emotional stress can make often makes the symptoms worse so life style changes are often recomended for patients suffering with this condition.

Fortunately, unlike more-serious intestinal diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome doesn't cause inflammation or changes in bowel tissue or increase your risk of colorectal cancer. In many cases, you can control irritable bowel syndrome by managing your diet, lifestyle and stress.

IBS does not lead to more serious conditions in most patients. But it is a source of chronic pain, fatigue and other symptoms, and it increases a patient's medical costs, and contributes to work absenteeism. Researchers have reported that the high prevalence of IBS, in conjunction with increased costs produces a disease with a high societal cost. It is also regarded as a chronic illness and can dramatically affect the quality of a sufferer's life.

Like many people, you may have only mild signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. However, sometimes these problems can be disabling. In some cases, you may have severe signs and symptoms that don't respond well to medical treatment. Because symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can occur with other diseases, it's best to discuss these symptoms with your doctor.

For most people, IBS is a chronic condition, although there will likely be times when the signs and symptoms are worse and times when they improve or even disappear completely.

When to see a doctor

Although as many as 1 in 5 American adults have some signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, fewer than half seek medical help. Yet it's important to see your doctor if you have a persistent change in bowel habits or if you have any other signs or symptoms of IBS because these may indicate a more serious condition, such as colon cancer.

The goal of treatment is to relieve the symptoms and their severity. Irritable Bowel Syndrom may be a life long condition but symptoms can be improved and relieved through treatment. A check up woth your physican can also rule out more serious colon conditions, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, which are forms of inflammatory bowel disease, and colon cancer.

Digestive Disease Associates of the North Shore, S.C. can help you manage IBS with treatment. Call today to schedule an appointment.