According to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, Irritable Bowel Syndrome affects approximately 10% - 20% of the population.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that causes many uncomfortable and painful symptoms for the patient. IBS is also the most common disorder or disease diagnosed by a gastroenterologists and one of the most common disorders seen among general practitioners. Irritable Bowel Syndrome is more common among women. Only about 40% of IBS patients are male. It is estimated that 20% - 40% of all visits to a gastroenterologist are due to Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms or related issues. The cause or causes for Irritable Bowel Syndrome are unknown and it is a common symptom in other mystery illnesses such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and Interstitial Cystitis.

It is believed that IBS may be caused by a malfunction between the brain, nervous system and stomach that alter the regulation of sensory function. IBS is not caused by stress but stress can be a trigger that causes IBS symptoms to flare. IBS is unpredictable and a person who suffers from it never knows when their symptoms will be triggered. One time an IBS patient may be hit with severe diarrhea, while the next time constipation is the problem.

For some people, Irritable Bowel Syndrome is just a mild avoidance in their lives. For approximately 10 - 15 million IBS is a moderate or severe problem that disrupts their everyday life and routine.

Symptoms of IBS can vary among patients as well as the severity. The most commons symptoms include:
- Heartburn
- Early feeling of fullness
- Nausea
- Abdominal Fullness
- Bloating
- Upper abdominal pain

If you have any of these symptoms or believe that you may have IBS, please contact our gastroenterology department at 850.474.8428 to set up an appointment.

Information provided by:
AboutIBS.org