It appears to be common, with up to 20 percent of adults having this condition. It has also been called mucous colitis, spastic colitis, or spastic colon. The pain is usually a crampy feeling in the lower abdominal region. It may come and go.
Stress increases symptoms.
IBS can be either an intermittent or a lifelong condition. Symptoms often begin in the late teens to twenties. Since IBS can mimic other more serious conditions, testing must be done to exclude any or all of them. The symptoms are highly unlikely to progress, require surgery, or develop into serious illness. Psychological counseling may be helpful if emotions appear to trigger attacks.