Irritable bowel syndrome
Other namesSpastic colon, nervous colon, mucous colitis, spastic bowel
SpecialtyGastroenterology
SymptomsDiarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain
Usual onsetBefore 45 years old
DurationLong term
CausesUnknown
Diagnostic methodBased on symptoms, exclusion of other diseases
Differential diagnosisCeliac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, microscopic colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, bile acid malabsorption, colon cancer
TreatmentSymptomatic (dietary changes, medication, probiotics, counseling)
PrognosisNormal life expectancy
Frequency12.5% (developed world)