Quick Answer
IBS is a chronic functional gut disorder that causes abdominal pain, bloating and altered bowel habit without any structural disease. It is diagnosed clinically and managed with diet, targeted medication and gut–brain therapy. For full treatment options see our IBS treatment page.
What is IBS?
IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) is a long-term condition affecting roughly 5–10% of adults globally and around 4–7% of urban Indians. It is a "functional" disorder, meaning the gut behaves abnormally even though it looks normal on tests. The condition is real, biological, and treatable.
Common symptoms
- Abdominal pain or cramping (often relieved by passing stool)
- Bloating and visible distension
- Diarrhoea, constipation, or alternation between the two
- Mucus in stool (no blood)
- Sense of incomplete evacuation
- Symptoms triggered by meals, stress or menstrual cycle
What IBS is NOT
- It is not a precursor to bowel cancer
- It does not cause weight loss, fever, anaemia or rectal bleeding
- It is not imaginary or "in your head"
How IBS is diagnosed
The Rome IV criteria define IBS as recurrent abdominal pain at least one day per week in the past three months, related to defecation and/or a change in stool form or frequency. A baseline workup excludes IBD, celiac disease, infections and thyroid problems.
Management
Treatment is stepped — starting with diet and lifestyle, adding targeted medication, and incorporating gut-brain therapy where appropriate. Read the full plan on the IBS treatment page.
