Tagged As: Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
Question:
What is the definition of IBS?
Answer:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder of the colon (large intestine) that causes crampy abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and/or diarrhea. IBS is classified as a functional gastrointestinal disorder because no structural or biochemical cause can be found to explain the symptoms. Upon diagnostic testing, the colon shows no evidence of disease such as ulcers or inflammation. Therefore, IBS is diagnosed only after other possible digestive disorders and diseases have been ruled out. IBS is often misdiagnosed or misnamed as colitis, mucous colitis spastic colon, irritable bowel disease or spastic bowel (colon). These misnomers persist, even though IBS is now a recognized and treatable condition. Affecting between 25 and 55 million people in the United States, IBS results in 2.5 to 3.5 million yearly visits to physicians. 20 to 40 percent of all visits to gastroenterologists are due to symptoms of IBS.
Add to favorites