IBS stands for Irritable bowel syndrome wherein "syndrome", stands for a group of symptoms. The most prevalent symptoms of IBS are abdominal pain or discomfort which is often reported as cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea as well as constipation. IBS affects the colon or the large bowel, which is the part of the digestive tract that stores stool.

Other symptoms associated with IBS are whitish mucus in the stool, a swollen or bloated abdomen, the feeling that you have not finished a bowel movement. Also, women with IBS often have more symptoms during their menstrual periods.

It is still not clear as to what causes IBS. However, the bowel nerves and muscles in the appear to be extra sensitive in people with IBS and although painful, it does not damage the colon or other parts of the digestive system and does not lead to other health related problems.

To diagnose IBS the Rome Criteria is used at the same time with physical exam and other medical tests such as the Lower gastrointestinal (GI) series and Colonoscopy.

There is no known cure for IBS but there are things that can be done to relieve symptoms and these include a change in diet, taking necessary medicines, and being free from stress.

The food that is eaten should be considered if one has an IBS as certain foods like fats, gluten, citrus fruits, bran, coffee, and food containing artificial sweeteners trigger the symptoms associated with IBS.

In the same way, stress, anxiety and depression were also found to exacerbate the symptoms of IBS and should therefore be avoided as well for one to get relief. The best defense against stress, anxiety and depression is to get seven to eight hours of solid sleep every night, a yoga meditation, and acupuncture can do wonders.

As IBS can interfere with ones day to day living, there are a number of support groups that aim to help people who suffer from IBS by providing useful information on how the pain and symptoms that comes with it can be alleviated and therefore go back to their normal daily activities.

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