Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder. In simple words, it is the disorder of the intestine. It is generally characterized by abdominal pain along with excessive gas and diarrhea and constipation. It is chronic in nature and can result in various complications.

IBS is a condition where the digestive tract is inflamed and as result, it is likely to give rise to many unexpected complications in the body.

Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
This is caused due to the frequent contraction and expansion of muscles of the intestine. Generally, this causes the abdominal pain and cramps during the irritable bowel movements. Secondly, the imbalances in the nervous system are also likely to cause this syndrome. In case an individual already has an infection due to diarrhea by a virus or bacteria, he or she is likely to get Irritable Bowel Syndrome later.

Apart from these, there might be some triggers that cause IBS as well. Stress, certain types of food, and hormones are potential triggers to Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
The symptoms of bowel syndrome are not uniform, as they vary with respect to the person. Some might experience a sign, while others might not. Though there are some obvious signs which are usually prevalent among individuals undergoing bowel syndrome and they are presented below:

• Pain
  A person is certain to experience abdominal pain and this is the foremost sign of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. All the nerves and the hormones start to act otherwise and the brain tends to work on controlling digestion. This imbalance causes the pain.
• Bloating and gas
  The digestive system experiences imbalances and thus results in the formation of excessive gas in the gut. This can eventually cause bloating, which is direly uncomfortable.
• Diarrhea
  This sign is not usually found among many, but some people experience this and claim that it is caused mainly because of stress. Generally, the stool, in this case, is filled with mucus and is watery in nature.
• Constipation
  While another set of patients is likely to experience constipation, wherein the stool is stopped as the bowel absorbs most of the water present in the body making it difficult for the stool to pass through.
• Nausea
  People also encounter problems with eating. Mostly, they grow intolerant of food, and as a result, they can feel nausea whenever they encounter food which has lactose and gluten.
• Sudden urge
  Both constipation and diarrhea are essential symptoms. A person can experience both of these alternatively. Mainly driven by stress, but it may become a serious condition in case there is blood in the stool which is generally the result of constipation.

Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
A uniform treatment is not available for Irritable Bowel Syndrome though; one can control the symptoms to an extent so that they become easy to deal with. They are:

• Supplements of fiber such as Metamucil can be taken to control constipation.
• Anti-depressants can lessen the rate of stress and anxiety in an individual.
• Medication such as Miralax can help ease diarrhea.
• Painkillers can be taken orally for relieving the abdominal pain.

An individual, who frequently experiences Irritable Bowel Syndrome, should opt for changes in certain habits and lifestyle as well.

• Certain foods are likely to trigger IBS; therefore, they should be avoided.
• One should get enough sleep so as to let the body heal.
• Exercising regularly is also very essential.
• Drinking plenty of water or fluids is also very important to improve digestion.
• Eating habits should be improved. High fiber foods must be included in the diet.