Digestive Health

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects 10-15% of U.S. adults and is one of the most commonly diagnosed conditions among physicians. IBS is a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder, meaning there is a disturbance in bowel function. Signs of IBS often arise during late adolescence or early adulthood, especially during times of emotional distress. IBS does not cause inflammation of the GI tract and does not increase your risk for colon cancer.

Symptoms of IBS

Symptoms of IBS include:

• Chronic and persistent abdominal pain
• Constipation alternating with diarrhea
• Mucus in the stool
• Gassiness
• Abdominal bloating
• Abdominal swelling
• Nausea

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Commonly confused with IBS, Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term used to describe conditions that cause inflammation of the GI tract. These include the conditions Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Your GI tract ranges from the mouth to the anus and is most commonly damaged by IBD in the small intestine. IBD typically stems from a weakened immune system, sometimes triggered by genetics or environmental factors, such as viruses and bacteria.

Symptoms of IBD

Symptoms of IBD include:

• Persistent diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Rectal bleeding/bloody stools
• Weight loss
• Fatigue

A physician may require an endoscopy or colonoscopy to diagnose IBD. IBD can increase your risk for developing colon cancer. Don't delay your health. Get screened.