About Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - aboutIBS.org
IBS Strikes Often
Most people are surprised to learn they are not alone with IBS. In fact, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects about 1 out of 10 people or more.* IBS is one of the most common disorders seen by doctors. There's no one treatment or cure. There are ways to manage IBS so that you feel better.
"It's taken 14 years for me to realize that IBS is not an embarrassment, but a disease that needs treatment."
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Irritable bowel syndrome is sometimes called spastic colon, mucous colitis, spastic colitis, nervous stomach, or irritable colon. These are outdated terms.
If it Looks Fine, Why Does it Hurt?
Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is one of a range of conditions known as "functional gastrointestinal disorders." In IBS, this "disorder of functioning" is with the way nerves and muscles are working. In the doctor's office nothing abnormal is seen on tests.
The bowels look fine. Yet there is pain, discomfort, and other symptoms that won't go away or keep coming back. Certain signs and symptoms are the basis for identifying, or diagnosing, IBS.
IBS is complex. It is not a risk for life-threatening diseases, but it can have a major impact on a person’s life.
Find Help Here
There are ways to treat and manage IBS. The first step is to find out about IBS, and have your questions answered.
IFFGD is here for you. On this site, you'll find help about
and much more. We'll help you take control of your IBS.
*Worldwide prevalence rates of IBS range from 9–23% and U.S. rates are generally in the area of 10–15%.
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