What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) ?
Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional gastrointestinal disorder – meaning, an alteration in the functioning of the digestive system which produces a group of symptoms; there is no damage caused to the intestinal tissue. IBS is also known as spastic bowel or colon. The common symptoms of IBS are abdominal pain, cramping, increased gas, food intolerance, changes in bowel habits, and distention (bloating).
According to ROMEII criteria the diagnosis of IBS is made if a person has recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort for at least 3 days per month for 3 consecutive months along with two or more of the following:
1. Pain improves with defecation
2. Onset of pain associated with a change in frequency of stool
3. Onset of pain associated with a change in form (appearance) of stool