What is irritable bowel syndrome?

  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) causes symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort.
  • Diagnosis is based on age, family history, and psychological conditions.
  • Treatments include dietary changes and medications to relieve pain and symptoms.
  • Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and gas-producing foods may improve symptoms.
Carol Álvarez

1 minute

person with irritable bowel syndrome

What is IBS and what is its origin?

person with stomach ache due to irritable bowel syndrome
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What are the symptoms?

  • Diarrhea or constipation, or alternating between the two.
  • Distended (enlarged) abdomen.
  • Bloating and gas.
  • It always feels like a bowel movement is incomplete.
  • Stools containing mucus.
  • Severe or mild abdominal discomfort, cramps, and abdominal pain that usually goes away after a bowel movement.

How is the pain?

person on a scale with irritable bowel syndrome
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How is irritable bowel syndrome diagnosed?

  • Under 50.
  • Women.
  • They have anxiety or depression.
  • They have a history of physical or emotional abuse.
  • They have a family history of IBS.
irritable bowel pain
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Treatment for the syndrome

Dietary changes

  • Caffeine
  • Alcohol
  • Dairy products
  • Fried food
  • Fatty foods (including avocados)
  • raw fruits
  • Cabbage, broccoli, kale, legumes, and other gas-producing plant foods
  • Foods that contain artificial sweeteners or sorbitol
  • Chewing gums
low-oligosaccharide diet
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Add key nutrients

lack of appetite
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Medication

  • Pain-reducing agents, such as amitriptyline and desipramine.
  • Antispasmodics such as dicyclomine to reduce abdominal and intestinal cramps.
  • Antidiarrheals such as loperamide and diphenoxylate.
  • Anti-bruise medications including lubiprostone and linaclotide.

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