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Slide Show - Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome

This slide show provides an overview of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a chronic condition that causes abdominal pain and discomfort associated with changes in bowel habits. You can learn about symptoms, causes, risk factors, and different types of IBS. You can also learn about possible complications of IBS, why it is difficult to detect, and how IBS is different from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A healthcare provider can help you manage IBS with the latest information and treatments. They can help you see a specialist if needed. Working with your healthcare provider is the best way to get the care you need.

Expert Video - What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Shanti Eswaran, MD, an expert in gastroenterology and internal medicine at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, describes irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. She discusses the most common symptoms of IBS, including abdominal pain, discomfort, constipation, and diarrhea, as well as the different types of IBS and how common irritable bowel syndrome is around the globe.

Patient Video - Amy’s story: How did you find out you had irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and how was it diagnosed?

Amy describes the symptoms and experiences she had leading up to her diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). She says understanding and accepting she had IBS was a lengthy journey, as she sought help from many healthcare providers to address her ongoing symptoms (episodes of abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea) and had many tests. Finally knowing her diagnosis gave her hope and relief.

Slide Show - Diagnosing Irritable Bowel Syndrome

This slide show explains the tests that healthcare providers use to diagnose irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), how to prepare for an IBS evaluation with your healthcare provider, and alarm signs that could indicate a serious condition other than IBS. It's important to remember that IBS can often be diagnosed without extensive testing. Tell your healthcare provider about all your symptoms, even if they seem embarrassing. If you have alarm signs, seeing a healthcare provider as soon as possible is important. Learning more and talking with your provider are important steps toward better health.

Expert Video - How is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) diagnosed?

Dr. Jordan Shapiro, an expert on diagnosing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), discusses how chronic symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, and changes in bowel movement habits can reveal this condition. What are the Rome criteria? What information should you take to your doctor to help them diagnose IBS? Dr. Shapiro discusses these, as well as how to feel less embarrassed talking about bowel movements and how writing down your symptoms can help your doctor diagnose IBS.

Expert Video - What medicines are available to treat IBS?

What are the best medications for irritable bowel syndrome? Gastroenterologist Jordan Shapiro, MD, MS, discusses different medications for specific types of IBS. Medications can help with diarrhea, constipation, irregular bowel habits, and more. Dr. Shapiro also talks about "off-label" medications for irritable bowel syndrome and the research doctors can use to manage IBS with medications.

This educational activity has been developed by the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders and Mechanisms in Medicine Inc.

This activity is supported by independent educational grants from AbbVie, Ardelyx, and Ironwood Pharmaceuticals.

This website is part of the Animated Patient^® series developed by Mechanisms in Medicine Inc., to provide highly visual formats of learning for patients to improve their understanding, make informed decisions, and partner with their healthcare professionals for optimal outcomes.