IBS Resource Center

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal (GI) disorder that affects both the small and large intestines and indicates a problem with the way your brain and gut are working together.

Symptoms often include abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, gas, constipation, and/or diarrhea, which can significantly affect your quality of life. A range of treatments, including dietary changes, medications, psychotherapy, and complementary and integrative medicine approaches like acupuncture and meditation, can help.

What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?Medically Reviewed by Yuying Luo, MD | April 1, 2026

FAQ

How can you tell if you have IBS?

Diagnosing IBS is often a matter of ruling out other potential health issues. Your doctor will take your complete medical history, conduct a physical exam, run blood or stool tests, and evaluate your symptoms to determine whether you have IBS.

What is commonly mistaken for IBS?

Conditions with similar symptoms, such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and lactose intolerance may be mistaken for IBS. Ovarian cancer can also be misdiagnosed as IBS because the two conditions share many symptoms.

What's the biggest trigger for IBS symptoms?

Most people with IBS experience flare-ups especially after eating certain foods and ingredients. While responses vary from person to person, common dietary triggers include FODMAPS, short-chain carbohydrates found in dairy products, legumes, and produce like apples and asparagus.

What food calms an IBS flare-up?

It depends on your symptoms. If you have IBS with diarrhea, try unsweetened oatmeal, grilled or baked fish, and sweet potatoes. Oatmeal is also a helpful choice for IBS with constipation, as are cooked low-FODMAP vegetables like carrots and zucchini.

Do you have IBS for life?

IBS is a chronic disorder, but it does tend to improve with age. By identifying your triggers, making lifestyle changes, and exploring appropriate medications with your doctor, you can prevent symptoms and protect your quality of life.

Everyday Health’s team of board-certified physicians and health professionals contribute to the creation and review of content, ensuring that the information is useful, up to date, and accurate.

Ira Daniel Breite, MD

Medical Reviewer

Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Ira Daniel Breite, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He is an associate professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where he also sees patien...

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