Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common, long-term digestive disorder that affects the large intestine. It is a functional gastrointestinal disorder, meaning it causes symptoms without visible damage to the digestive tract. IBS typically involves a group of symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and altered bowel habits — such as diarrhea (IBS-D), constipation (IBS-C), or a combination of both (IBS-M). The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but it is believed to be related to a combination of abnormal muscle contractions in the intestine, heightened sensitivity to pain, gut-brain axis disturbances, stress, and infections. IBS does not cause permanent damage to the intestines and does not increase the risk of colon cancer, but it can significantly affect quality of life if not managed properly.