The irritable bowel syndrome is a condition marked by alternating diarrhea, constipation and abdominal pain. It is caused by excessive spasms of the large intestine.
Previous names used include spastic colon, nervous bowel, irritable colon and mucus colitis.
The irritable bowel syndrome is not considered to be a disease, because there are no organic abnormalities or physical changes that are easily detected. However, there may in fact be an abnormality of intestinal motility which is not clearly understood. In many people, stress or feelings of anxiety, guilt or resentment seem to trigger symptoms. Nevertheless, the irritable bowel syndrome is probably the most common abdominal complaint brought to the attention of doctors. Except for the common cold, it accounts for the most frequent overall medical complaint.