Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is considered to be the most common disorder of the gastrointestinal system.  The syndrome is associated to many digestive symptoms such as those below...

• Altered bowel habits
• Constipation and/or diarrhoea
• Cramping pain in the bowel area (i.e. lower abdomen)
• Flatulence
• Abnormal bowel movements (e.g. water stools, food particles visible in stools)
• Urgency
• Symptoms generally, but not always, occur soon after eating or drinking

Twice as many women as men are affected, and it usually starts in early adulthood.  Although the condition is painful and disruptive to your daily life, it does not lead to serious disease.  Find more information about irritable bowel syndrome by using the links below.

Irritable bowel syndrome explained

• ibs fact file
• irritable bowel syndrome
• irritable bowel syndrome: what you need to know
• irritable bowel syndrome (ibs)
• irritable bowel syndrome - ibs

Causes and symptoms

• irritable bowel syndrome: causes and symptoms
• who suffers from irritable bowel syndrome?
• irritable bowel syndrome symptoms checklist

Treatment

• irritable bowel syndrome: treatment options
• drug therapy of irritable bowel syndrome
• diet for irritable bowel syndrome
• zelmac: a new drug for women with irritable bowel syndrome