Anne Arundel Gastroenterology Associates Blog

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is an uncomfortable disorder characterized by dramatic changes in digestive and bowel functions. Abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, cramps, gas, and diarrhea are common IBS symptoms.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) isn’t just one of the most common intestinal disorders, it’s also one of the hardest to treat effectively. It’s not as if there’s a magical pill that’ll make the gut-wrenching symptoms of IBS – abdominal pain, bloating, cramping, constipation and/or diarrhea – simply go away. At best, some medications relieve some of the symptoms for some people.

Irritable Bowell Syndrome or IBS is much less serious than colitis. The main difference between IBS and ulcerative colitis is the amount of damage done to the bowel. Both colitis and IBS can present with pain, abdominal discomfort and diarrhea, IBS is caused by muscular contractions along the bowel. Although irritable bowel syndrome is not dangerous, it can be bothersome and painful.