Irritable Bowel Syndrome FAQ

Consistent treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) helps cut worker absenteeism while improving work productivity, a new study shows. 

IBS symptoms of abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating and constipation are associated with impaired quality of life and are the second most common cause of work-related absenteeism, behind the common cold, Canadian researcher, of the  University  of  Alberta,  Edmonton, said in a prepared statement.

Most individuals are surprised to learn they are not alone with symptoms of IBS. In fact, irritable bowel syndrome affects approximately 10-20% of the general population. It is the most common disease diagnosed by gastroenterologists (doctors who specialize in medical treatment of disorders of the stomach and intestines) and one of the most common disorders seen by primary care physicians.

Sometimes irritable bowel syndrome is referred to as spastic colon, mucous colitis, spastic colitis, nervous stomach, or irritable colon.

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is generally classified as a "functional" disorder. A functional disorder refers to a disorder or disease where the primary abnormality is an altered physiological function (the way the body works), rather than an identifiable structural or biochemical cause.

It characterizes a disorder that generally can not be diagnosed in a traditional way; that is, as an inflammatory, infectious, or structural abnormality that can be seen by commonly used examination, x-ray, or blood test.

Most popular IBS questions:

#1 Background

1a: What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
1b: What is the  prevalence of IBS?
1c: What factors contribute to the onset of IBS?
1d:  How long does IBS last?
1e: What effect does IBS have on one's  lifestyle?
1f: Are my symptoms just "all in my head" or psychosomatic?
1g:  What factors contribute to health care utilization?  

#2: Symptoms

2a: What are the symptoms of IBS?
2b: How severe are  these symptoms?
2c: Does everybody get the same symptoms?  

#3: Medical Facts

3a: What causes IBS? 

3b: What is the role of  psychological and/or social factors in IBS? 

3c: Is IBS  life-threatening? 

3d: Will IBS lead to colon or rectal cancer? 

3e: Will  IBS lead to IBD (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis)? 

3f: Will my IBS eventually go  away, or will I have it for the rest of my life?  

#4: Diagnosis

4a: How do I know for sure if I have IBS?
4b: Is IBS a  legitimate diagnosis? Should I seek a second opinion?  

#5: Related Maladies

5a: How does IBS differ from Crohn's disease or ulcerative  colitis?
5b: How does IBS differ from gluten enteropathy/celiac  disease?
5c: How does IBS relate to other broad-spectrum symdromes, such as  Fibromylagia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS),  Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome (MCSS), and others?

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