Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorders. It affects approximately 10% to 15% of individuals in the United States, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. This chronic condition can disrupt how the body absorbs, processes, and digests food and liquids in the digestive system, resulting in various uncomfortable symptoms related to abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements.

Common symptoms include diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas, stomach cramps, painful restroom visits, or a frequent urge to use the bathroom, according to Dr. William Chey, a physician and division chief at Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor, as well as the incoming president of the American College of Gastroenterology.

How is IBS diagnosed?

To diagnose IBS, a doctor must identify the occurrence of recurring abdominal pain at least once a week, says Dr. David Levinthal, a neurogastroenterologist and director at the gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition division of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Additionally, this pain should be tied to bowel movements and should coincide with alterations in frequency or changes in stool consistency. IBS diagnosis also involves categorizing the condition based on the primary stool pattern, such as diarrhea (referred to as IBS-D), constipation (IBS-C), or a combination of both (IBS-M), Levinthal explains.

Diagnostic tests such as CT scans, colonoscopies, and endoscopies are frequently employed for detecting IBS. Blood and stool tests are often recommended to exclude other possible causes for the symptoms, like inflammation due to conditions like celiac disease or chronic infections such as giardia, Chey adds.

What leads to IBS?

There are various hypotheses regarding the causes of IBS, but according to Levinthal, “the exact reasons remain unclear.” However, one known factor that may trigger IBS is food sensitivities, particularly to foods that contain lactose, sorbitol, fructose, and other carbohydrates that some people have difficulty absorbing.

Bacterial imbalances in the gut can contribute to IBS, along with certain medications like antibiotics and pain relievers. “Many IBS patients often deal with mood disorders, have undergone traumatic experiences in their past, or experience ongoing stress or anxiety,” states Levinthal. “This indicates that a degree of IBS might have roots in psychological factors.”

Alongside dietary culprits, factors such as gut bacteria, medications, and the brain-gut connection, Yale Medicine suggests that genetics may also play a significant role, as some diagnosed individuals have a family history of IBS.

What are the treatment options for IBS?

Identifying the root cause of IBS is essential for effective treatment. For example, if food sensitivities are the issue, altering one’s diet can significantly alleviate symptoms. “Diets that are gluten-free, low in carbohydrates, or follow the Mediterranean style have shown benefits in controlled studies,” notes Chey.

He mentions that over-the-counter medications like Pepto-Bismol, Gas-X, and Miralax, as well as prescription options like Lotronex and Viberzi, may be recommended based on the patient’s specific symptoms. In some cases, psychological treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy and gut-directed hypnosis could also be useful, according to Chey.

Acupuncture and certain herbal remedies might also provide relief. “In our experience,” Chey adds, “we find that most IBS patients can see improvement through an integrated approach to care, where we customize treatment plans and incorporate various evidence-based therapies as needed.”