Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a group of symptoms that affect the digestive system. It’s a common but uncomfortable gastrointestinal disease, or condition that affects the intestines. The symptoms vary in severity and duration from person to person. Types of IBS are classified based on certain specific symptoms that occur, such as constipation and weight loss. Cramping, abdominal pain, bloating and gas, constipation, diarrhea are all common symptoms of IBS.

Certain problems are more common in people with IBS, these problems may play a role in causing IBS. These problems include: stressful or difficult early life events, such as physical or sexual abuse, certain mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety and somatic symptom disorder, bacterial infections in your digestive tract, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, an increase in the number or a change in the type of bacteria in your small intestine, food intolerances or sensitivities, in which certain foods cause digestive symptoms.