irritable bowel syndrome
Also known as IBD, Irritable colon, spastic colon, IBS, mucus colitis, psychogenic IBS, splenic flexure syndrome
syndrome that is a functional bowel disorder
AI overview
Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional bowel disorder, meaning the digestive system doesn't work properly even though it appears structurally normal. It matters because it's a common condition that affects how the intestines function and can cause uncomfortable digestive symptoms that impact daily life.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Research
20,876 papers- Irritable bowel syndrome.ReviewMedicina clinica · 2022Sebastián Domingo JJDOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2021.04.029
- Pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome.ReviewThe lancet. Gastroenterology & hepatology · 2016Holtmann GJ, Ford AC, Talley NJDOI: 10.1016/S2468-1253(16)30023-1
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome.ReviewAnnals of internal medicine · 2025Greer KB, Sultan SDOI: 10.7326/ANNALS-25-01965
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome.ReviewThe New England journal of medicine · 2017Ford AC, Lacy BE, Talley NJ
Article
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by a group of symptoms that commonly include abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, and changes in the consistency of bowel movements. These symptoms may occur over a long time, sometimes for years. IBS can negatively affect quality of life and may result in missed school or work or reduced productivity at work. Disorders such as anxiety, major depression, and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome are common among people with IBS, sometimes developing due to the condition.
The cause of IBS is not known but multiple factors have been proposed to lead to the condition. Theories include combinations of "gut–brain axis" problems, alterations in gut motility, visceral hypersensitivity, infections including small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, neurotransmitters, genetic factors, and food sensitivity. Onset may be triggered by a stressful life event, or an intestinal infection. In the latter case, it is called post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome.