Irritable bowel syndrome can be defined, therefore, as an idiopathic clinical entity characterized, by chronic abdominal pain or discomfort that occurs in association with altered bowel habits. These symptoms may be continuous or intermittent.

It causes bouts of recurrent abdominal pain and possibly bloating, associated with changes in the frequency or appearance of stools.

The pain is often relieved by defecation. The cause is unknown, but IBS can be triggered by a bout of gastroenteritis. It is a long-term, intermittent condition; flare-ups can be brought on by alcohol, caffeine, stress, and certain foods.

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