Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that causes symptoms in your gastrointestinal (GI) system. In IBS, there’s no damage or visible sign of disease in the intestines, but you still experience symptoms.

IBS can cause diarrhea, constipation, or a mixture of both, along with abdominal pain, bloating, heartburn, and other symptoms. IBS can significantly impact your quality of life, negatively affecting work, relationships, social life, and travel.

Some members of myIBSteam say that the bowel habits they’ve developed due to IBS make them nervous about being too far away from the toilet. “I’m afraid to leave the house without knowing where the nearest bathroom is,” one member said.

Read on to learn more facts about irritable bowel syndrome, including how common it is.

What Is IBS?

IBS is a functional GI disorder. This means it’s caused by communication problems between the gut and the brain. These communication challenges can alter how your bowel muscles contract and make your gut very sensitive. Changes to bowel muscle contractions can cause constipation, diarrhea, or both of these symptoms. Gut sensitivity can cause the pain and bloating commonly linked to IBS.

What Is the Main Cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but researchers have identified many risk factors associated with developing IBS. For instance, it’s more common in women, people under age 50, those with a history of severe GI infections, and people whose family members have IBS, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

The History of IBS

The first medical case describing irritable bowel syndrome was recorded in 1820 in the United Kingdom. Early case studies noted bloating, abdominal pain, and irregular stools. The term “irritable bowel syndrome” was first used in 1944. Other terms used to refer to IBS over time have included irritable colon, spastic colon, nervous colon, and mucous colitis.

In 1978, the Manning criteria for IBS diagnosis were introduced. The Manning criteria are based on abdominal pain, bowel movement frequency, bloating, and loose stools. The Rome Foundation introduced new IBS diagnostic criteria in 1990, which have since been updated several times. Today, some doctors use the Rome IV criteria, which debuted in 2016.

To diagnose IBS, your doctor will talk to you about which symptoms you’ve been experiencing. They’ll also ask about your family history of GI issues, and they may order blood tests or other types of testing. These tests may help confirm an IBS diagnosis or rule out other digestive diseases or gastrointestinal disorders. After tests are complete, they’ll let you know if you have a diagnosis of IBS or if you’re dealing with other issues affecting your digestive system.

How Common Is IBS?

An estimated 12 percent of the United States population has irritable bowel syndrome. IBS is one of the most commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal conditions in the U.S. But researchers think it may be underdiagnosed, and that as many as 75 percent of people with the condition don’t know they have it. This would mean the true prevalence is unknown.

Does IBS Go Away?

IBS treatments are available that can help you control your irritable bowel syndrome. Despite treatment, the symptoms of IBS may not permanently go away. Some people find symptom relief by changing what they eat, while others may need medication. It may also help to try lifestyle changes, such as exercising, improving your sleep habits, and removing stress triggers from your life.

If you’re dealing with IBS symptoms that are damaging your quality of life, talk to a gastroenterologist or other healthcare professional. These specialists can explain IBS treatment options that can help reduce your cramping, discomfort, and other symptoms.

Share Your Story

On myIBSteam, people share their experiences with irritable bowel syndrome, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

What have you learned about IBS since being diagnosed that you didn’t know before? Let others know in the comments below.