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- Services and providers for Irritable Bowel Syndrome in the U.S.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Also called: IBS, Irritable colon
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a problem that affects the large intestine. It can cause abdominal cramping, bloating and a change in bowel habits. Some people with the disorder have constipation. Some have diarrhea. Some go back and forth between constipation and diarrhea. Although IBS can cause a great deal of discomfort, it does not harm the intestines.
IBS is a common disorder and happens more often in women than men. No one knows the exact cause of IBS. There is no specific test for IBS. However, your doctor may run tests to be sure you don't have other diseases. These tests may include stool sampling tests, blood tests and x-rays. Your doctor may also do a test called a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. Most people diagnosed with IBS can control their symptoms with diet, stress management and medicine.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Start Here
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
(National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
(Patient Education Institute) - Requires Flash Player
Also available in Spanish
| Basics | Learn More | Multimedia & Cool Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Research | Reference Shelf | For You |
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Overviews
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
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JAMA Patient Page: Irritable Bowel Syndrome(American Medical Association)
Also available in Spanish
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What I Need to Know about Irritable Bowel Syndrome
(National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)
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Latest News
- Multigene Analysis Can Discriminate between IBD and IBS(06/26/2008, American Gastroenterological Association)
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Diagnosis/Symptoms
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Colonoscopy(National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)
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Colonoscopy(Patient Education Institute) - Requires Flash Player
Also available in Spanish
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Flexible Sigmoidoscopy(National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)
- Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)(International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders)
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Colonoscopy
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Treatment
- Drug Approved for Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation(Food and Drug Administration)
- Lotronex (Alosetron Hydrochloride) Information(Center for Drug Evaluation and Research)
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Alternative Therapy
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Introduction to Probiotics(National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine)
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Peppermint Oil(National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine)
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Introduction to Probiotics
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Nutrition
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Fiber: How to Increase the Amount in Your Diet(American Academy of Family Physicians)
Also available in Spanish
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Diet: Can Yogurt Ease Symptoms?(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
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Fiber: How to Increase the Amount in Your Diet(American Academy of Family Physicians)
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Disease Management
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Tips on Controlling Your Symptoms(American Academy of Family Physicians)
Also available in Spanish
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Tips on Controlling Your Symptoms(American Academy of Family Physicians)
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Related Issues
- Spastic Colon: What Does It Mean?(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
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Tutorials
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Colonoscopy(Patient Education Institute) - Requires Flash Player
Also available in Spanish
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome(Patient Education Institute) - Requires Flash Player
Also available in Spanish
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Colonoscopy(Patient Education Institute) - Requires Flash Player
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Clinical Trials
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Colonic Diseases, Functional(National Institutes of Health)
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Colonic Diseases, Functional
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Journal Articles
References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
- Article: Serine proteases: new players in diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome.
- Article: Lubiprostone (Amitiza) for irritable bowel syndrome with constipation.
- Article: "I know this is bad for me, but...": a qualitative...
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome -- see more articles
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Directories
- GI Physician Locator(American College of Gastroenterology)
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Organizations
- American Gastroenterological Association
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National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
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National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
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Children
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome(Nemours Foundation)
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Children(National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)
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Teenagers
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome(Nemours Foundation)
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Women
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome(National Women's Health Information Center)
Also available in Spanish
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome(National Women's Health Information Center)
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Date last updated: 10 September 2008 Topic last reviewed: 21 July 2008 |