IBS (also known as spastic colon, intestinal neurosis, and nervous indigestion) refers to a disorder of the lower intestinal tract that leads to abdominal pain and abnormal bowel movements.
The cause of IBS is not known, but it can occur after an intestinal infection (post-infectious IBS). IBS symptoms may be worse in patients who also have stress or mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression; however, these conditions do not cause IBS.
Symptoms
Symptoms range from mild to severe with most people experiencing the milder ones.
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Abdominal distention
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Abdominal fullness, gas, bloating
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Abdominal pain that:
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comes and goes
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is reduced or goes away after a bowel movement
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occurs after meals
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Chronic and frequent constipation, usually accompanied by pain
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Chronic and frequent diarrhea, usually accompanied by pain
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Emotional distress
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Depression
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Loss of appetite
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms.
Lifestyle changes can be helpful in some cases of IBS.
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Regular exercise
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Improved sleep habits
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Dietary changes
Other possible treatments may include:
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Counseling in cases of severe anxiety or depression
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Anti-diarrheal medications for those whose main symptom is diarrhea
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Low-dose antidepressants to help relieve intestinal pain
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Medications to stimulate bowel movements for those with constipation
Our providers
Expert Gastroenterology Care
Getting the care you need starts with seeing one of our gastroenterologists.
Our locations
Distance from Change locationEnter your location
MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center
9000 Franklin Square Dr. Baltimore, MD 21237
MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital
5601 Loch Raven Blvd. Baltimore, MD 21239
MedStar Harbor Hospital
3001 S. Hanover St. Baltimore, MD 21225
MedStar Union Memorial Hospital
201 E. University Pkwy. Baltimore, MD 21218
MedStar Montgomery Medical Center
18101 Prince Philip Dr. Olney, MD 20832
MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center
7503 Surratts Rd. Clinton, MD 20735
MedStar St Mary's Hospital
25500 Point Lookout Rd. Leonardtown, MD 20650
MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
3800 Reservoir Rd. NW Washington, DC, 20007
MedStar Washington Hospital Center
110 Irving St. NW Washington, DC 20010
MedStar Health: Endoscopy Center at Lutherville
1300 Bellona Ave. Suite A Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093
MedStar Health: Primary Care at Dundalk Professional Center
1576 Merritt Blvd. Ste. 14 Dundalk, MD 21222
MedStar Health: Primary Care at Honeygo Center
5009 Honeygo Center Dr. Ste. 216 Perry Hall, MD 21128
MedStar Health: Primary Care, Gastroenterology, and Endocrinology at Baltimore
5601 Loch Raven Blvd. Russell Morgan Bldg. 3rd floor Baltimore, MD 21239
MedStar Shah Medical Group at Calvert Arts Medical Center
130 Hospital Road Suite 300 Prince Frederick, MD 20678
410-535-0495
MedStar Health: Primary Care at Lafayette Centre
1133 21st St. NW Bldg. 2 6th Floor Washington, D.C., 20036
MedStar Shah Medical Group at Philip J. Bean Medical Center
24035 Three Notch Rd. Hollywood, MD 20636
303-373-6900
MedStar Shah Medical Group at Fort Washington
900 E Swan Creek Road, Fort Washington, MD 20744
MedStar Shah Medical Group at Waldorf
10 St. Patrick's Drive Waldorf, MD 20603
MedStar Shah Medical Group at Shanti Medical Center
26840 Point Lookout Rd. Leonardtown, MD 20650
MedStar Health: Surgery Center at Lafayette Centre
1133 21st St., NW Building 2 10th Floor Washington, D.C., 20036