Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a fairly common intestinal complaint. If you’ve been dealing with abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, cramping, bloating, or excessive gas, you might be one of the twenty percent of the population that suffers from IBS. Women are more likely to experience this condition than men, and it is more likely to surface among those who are under age 50. Other risk factors include having a mental illness, or having a family history of IBS.Doctors aren’t sure what causes this condition, but there are several theories out there. Irregular muscle contractions in the large intestine may be a cause, as too strong a contraction can cause gas and bloating, while too weak a contraction may cause constipation. Another theory is that it may be an autoimmune reaction. An immune system reaction in the large intestine may cause the pain associated with the syndrome.
