IBS - Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder of the digestive system rather than a structural organic disease. This means that imaging, endoscopy, or laboratory tests typically do not reveal a clear pathological finding, despite the presence of significant symptoms.

Patients with IBS may report a wide range of symptoms, including recurrent abdominal pain, bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of both, and sometimes nausea and persistent abdominal discomfort. Symptoms tend to vary in intensity and character over time and are often exacerbated after eating.

Pathophysiologically, the syndrome is linked to a disturbance in the brain-gut axis, visceral hypersensitivity, changes in intestinal motility, and sometimes alterations in the gut microbiota. In many cases, psychological factors such as stress, pressure, and anxiety have a significant impact and can trigger or worsen symptoms.

Diagnosis is based on clinical criteria after ruling out other organic diseases, especially in the absence of "red flag" warning signs such as gastrointestinal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, or anemia. Treatment includes pharmacological, dietary, and sometimes psychological interventions.