These symptoms appear without any visible signs of damage or disease in the digestive tract.

IBS is a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder, now more accurately referred to as a disorder of gut-brain interaction. This means there are problems in how the brain and gut work together, leading to:

• Increased sensitivity in the gut, resulting in abdominal pain and bloating

  
  

• Abnormal bowel muscle contractions, causing diarrhea, constipation, or both

Does IBS Have Another Name?

In the past, IBS has also been called:

• Colitis

  
  

• Mucous colitis

  
  

• Spastic colon

  
  

• Nervous colon

  
  

• Spastic bowel

Are There Different Types of IBS?

Yes, IBS is classified into different types based on the pattern of bowel movement changes. Knowing the type is important because treatments can vary and some medications may only work for certain types.

People with IBS may have normal bowel movements on some days and abnormal ones on others.

IBS with Constipation (IBS-C)

On days with at least one abnormal bowel movement:

• More than a quarter of stools are hard or lumpy

  
  

• Less than a quarter of stools are loose or watery

IBS with Diarrhea (IBS-D)

On days with at least one abnormal bowel movement:

• More than a quarter of stools are loose or watery

  
  

• Less than a quarter of stools are hard or lumpy

IBS with Mixed Bowel Habits (IBS-M)

On days with at least one abnormal bowel movement:

• More than a quarter of stools are hard or lumpy

  
  

• More than a quarter of stools are loose or watery

How Common is IBS?

IBS affects approximately 12 percent of people in the United States.

Who is More Likely to Develop IBS?

Certain groups are more likely to develop IBS:

• Women, who are up to two times more likely than men

  
  

• People younger than age 50

  
  

• Individuals with a family history of IBS

  
  

• People who have experienced stressful or traumatic events, especially in childhood

  
  

• Those who have had a severe digestive tract infection

Women are significantly more likely than men to develop IBS.

What Other Health Problems Do People with IBS Have?

Many people with IBS also experience other health conditions, including:

• Chronic pain disorders such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and chronic pelvic pain

  
  

• Digestive diseases like dyspepsia and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

  
  

• Mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and somatic symptom disorder

Important Reminder: This information is intended only to provide general guidance. It does not provide definitive medical advice. It is very important that you consult your doctor about your specific condition.