Over 200,000 people are diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) each year in the United States. IBS is more common among women (about 2 in 3 of every diagnosis is women) but can affect anyone at any age, even children. It is classified as a common gastrointestinal syndrome that can be managed with treatment but is incurable. Although the leading cause of IBS is unknown for many, most cases are professionally diagnosed by symptom evaluation. Symptom severity can range from mild to severe based on each patient’s unique case.

Let’s dive a little deeper into understanding IBS.