IBS stands for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which is considered a functional GI disorder. People who have IBS can suffer from either constipation or diarrhea, as well as abdominal pain and bloating. IBS is typically separated into three categories: IBS-Constipation, IBS-Diarrhea, and IBS-Mixed (both constipation and diarrhea). Straining while going to the bathroom and a bloated belly are also common symptoms.
If you think this is you, you're not alone. It is estimated that 1 in 7 Americans suffer from Irritable Bowel.
Learn MoreDoctors, primarily gastroenterologists, will diagnose IBS using the Rome IV criteria. Rome IV defines IBS as recurrent abdominal pain at least 1 day/week in the past 3 months, associated with two or more of the following: related to defecation, change in stool frequency, and a change in stool form.
The cause of IBS is not fully understood but it is believed to be caused by one or a combination of disorders. These disorders are: altered gut microbiota, motility disturbance, altered nervous system processing, altered immune function, or visceral hypersensitivity.
If you have any blood in your stool, weight loss, anemia or if symptoms wake you up, you may have something more severe than IBS. Always consult a doctor to determine what your symptoms may be.