My bowel is never settled

 

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects about 10-15% of the population in the developed world. IBS is a group of symptoms—including abdominal pain and changes in the pattern of bowel movements without any evidence of underlying disease. There are four main types depending on if diarrhoea is common, constipation is common, both are common, or neither occurs very often (IBS-D, IBS-C, IBS-M, or IBS-U respectively). IBS negatively affects quality of life and may result in missed school or work. Disorders such as anxiety, major depression, and chronic fatigue syndrome, are common among people with IBS.

 

The causes of IBS are not clear. Theories include gut–brain axis problems, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, genetic factors, food sensitivity, and gut motility problems. Onset may be triggered by an intestinal infection or stressful life events. IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder. Diagnosis is based on signs and symptoms once other organic gastrointestinal conditions have been excluded. Other conditions that may present similarly include diverticular disease, coeliac disease, colitis, malabsorption syndromes, and colon cancer. A colonoscopy is usually performed to rule out these conditions.