State of Michigan Proclamation IBS Awareness
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects the stomach and intestines, also called the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms include cramping, belly pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both. IBS occurs when the body's natural defense system mistakenly attacks healthy bowel cells. This causes inflammation (swelling) and other damage that does not go away on its own. IBS is an ongoing condition that needs long-term management.
Only a small number of people with IBS have severe symptoms. Some people can control their symptoms by managing diet, lifestyle and stress. More-severe symptoms can be treated with medicine and counseling.
IBS doesn't cause changes in bowel tissue or increase risk of colorectal cancer.
Only a small number of people with IBS have severe symptoms. Some people can control their symptoms by managing diet, lifestyle and stress. More-severe symptoms can be treated with medicine and counseling.
IBS doesn't cause changes in bowel tissue or increase risk of colorectal cancer. The main types of IBD are ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
Common symptoms include:
- Diarrhea or changes in bowel movements.
- Stomach pain.
- Fatigue.
- Nausea.
- Weight loss.
Symptoms come and go in waves.
- "Remission" refers to periods when symptoms temporarily go away.
- "Flare-ups" refer to periods of increased symptoms
Despite some similarities, each impacts different parts of the digestive tract in different ways. Click below to read more about each type: