Irritable bowel is not an organic disease since there are no organic abnormalities or physical changes. In many people, stress or feelings of anxiety, guilt or resentment seem to trigger the symptoms. It is probably the most common abdominal complaint brought to the attention of physicians. The condition usually appears in late adolescence or early adulthood. For unknown reasons, women are affected about twice as often as men.
Abdominal discomfort ranges from sharp, cramping pains to a continuous dull ache.
It is often relieved by a bowel movement. The lower left part of the abdomen may be tender to touch. This abdominal pain usually appears after eating. There is also diarrhea, sometimes alternating with constipation. The diarrhea typically occurs immediately after a meal or when getting up in the morning.