How common is IBS? IBS is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders in the United States, affecting up to one in five Americans.
How serious is IBS? IBS is not a contagious illness or life-threatening disease, but it is a real medical disorder that can cause painful symptoms and compromise a person’s quality of life. Suggested link Can IBS be cured? There is no cure for IBS. It is a chronic condition, but symptoms can be managed through medication, diet, stress relief techniques, fiber therapy and other approaches. Suggested link Who develops IBS? Anyone can develop IBS at any age, but IBS symptoms typically begin around age 20. Women seem to develop it more often. Four of five people with IBS are women. Suggested link What causes IBS? IBS is affected by genetic, physical, emotional and lifestyle factors, but the exact cause isn’t known. It may result from changes in the muscle function or nervous system signals between the brain and bowel, including reactions to stress, hormones and other factors. Suggested link What are the symptoms of IBS? Different people have different IBS symptoms.
