Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by a group of symptoms including repeated abdominal pain or discomfort, abdominal bloating, and changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation, or both. These symptoms occur without any visible signs of damage or disease in the digestive tract. IBS is considered a disorder of gut-brain interaction, meaning that problems in how the brain and gut work together lead to increased gut sensitivity and abnormal muscle contractions in the intestines. This can cause painful spasms, disrupted food movement through the intestines, and symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, or alternating patterns of both. IBS symptoms vary among individuals and often include:

• Abdominal pain or cramping related to bowel movements
• Bloating and gas
• Changes in stool consistency and frequency
• A feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation
• Urgency or frequent bowel movements in some cases

The condition is chronic and may persist for years, but it does not cause damage to the intestines or increase the risk of more serious diseases like colorectal cancer. There are different types of IBS depending on bowel movement patterns: IBS with constipation (IBS-C), IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D), and IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M). The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but it may involve factors like gut motility problems, nerve hypersensitivity, infections, stress, and food sensitivities. Trigger events can include stressful life experiences or intestinal infections. IBS can significantly affect quality of life, but symptoms can often be managed through diet, lifestyle changes, stress management, and medication if needed. It is important to distinguish IBS from other gastrointestinal conditions with similar symptoms through medical evaluation. In summary, IBS is a long-term condition affecting the digestive system's function, causing discomfort and altered bowel habits but without causing tissue damage or serious underlying disease. Managing symptoms focuses on improving quality of life through holistic approaches including physical and emotional health.