Signs and symptoms
... The signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can vary widely from person to person and often resemble those of other diseases. Among the most common are: Abdominal pain or cramping A bloated fee...

Causes
... No one knows exactly what causes irritable bowel syndrome. The walls of the intestines are lined with layers of muscle that contract and relax as they move food from your stomach through your intestin...

Risk factors
... Many people have occasional symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, but you''re more likely to have IBS if you''re young and female. IBS typically begins around age 20. Overall, two to three times as ma...

When to seek medical advice
... Although as many as one in five American adults has signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, fewer than half seek medical help. Yet it''s important to see your doctor if you have a persistent c...

Screening and diagnosis
... A diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome depends largely on a complete medical history and physical exam. Your doctor may also recommend conducting several tests, including stool studies to check for i...