Irritable bowel syndrome affects an estimated 10–15% of adults worldwide. It's characterized by recurrent abdominal pain associated with changes in bowel habits, without structural disease.
Subtypes matter
- IBS-D: diarrhea-predominant
- IBS-C: constipation-predominant
- IBS-M: mixed pattern
Modern management
A tailored plan may include dietary strategies (including low-FODMAP when appropriate), targeted medications, and gut-directed cognitive therapies. The best plans meet you where you are and evolve with your response.
What is NOT IBS?
Red-flag features — bleeding, unintentional weight loss, symptoms waking you at night, family history of colon cancer or IBD — always deserve further evaluation before settling on an IBS diagnosis.