Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is a disorder characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort including cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. IBS is sometimes referred to as spastic colon, spastic colitis, nervous stomach, or irritable colon. It is caused by irritation of the colon, also known as the large intestine or large bowel, the portion of the gastrointestinal tract that compacts and stores stool. IBS is very common, affecting an estimated 20% of American adults or one in every five adults. It is about twice as common in women as in men.

IBS symptoms are usually not severe and in most cases, they can be successfully controlled by changing your lifestyle. Unlike more serious intestinal disorders such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, IBS does not cause chronic inflammation and it does not increase your risk of colorectal cancer.