Your community for irritable bowel syndrome
Discuss your health with the MedWatcher community and medical experts.
How MedWatcher supports you with your illness.
Proven health knowledge
All exclusive articles and content in MedWatcher have been reviewed by experts and created for you.
Ask real experts
You had individual questions and Dr. Google brought only confusion? Ask our experts.
Share views with other patients
Gain valuable insights from other patients who have the same conditions as you to better understand your treatment course.
that interest you.
who support you.
Effective irritable bowel treatment for you
The link between irritable bowel syndrome and stress
Digestive problems? Could it be irritable bowel syndrome?
Understanding irritable bowel syndrome: What's behind it?
Robert F.
67 | Diabetic
Yasmin W.
30 | Migraine & Asthma
Inge B.
46 | Intestinal disease
Your health matters.
MedWatcher helps you to improve it.
Improving your health has never been easier. Get your digital health companion and understand how you can improve your course of treatment.
The most important facts at a glance
What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder that affects the large intestine. It is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain, bloating and changes in bowel movements without a structural cause being found.
Distribution in Germany
Irritable bowel syndrome affects many people in Germany. It is estimated that around 10-15% of the population suffer from IBS. Women are affected more often than men.
Causes of irritable bowel syndrome
The exact causes of irritable bowel syndrome are not fully understood. It is thought that a combination of factors, including impaired intestinal motility, increased intestinal sensitivity to pain and psychosocial influences, may play a role.
Symptoms
Symptoms of IBS may include abdominal pain or cramping, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, or alternating periods of diarrhea and constipation (diarrhea-constipation type). Symptoms may vary from person to person and change over time.
Diagnosis and treatment
IBS is diagnosed on the basis of typical symptoms and the exclusion of other serious bowel conditions. There is no specific cure for IBS, but symptoms can be alleviated through dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, medication and stress management techniques.
FAQs
Common symptoms are abdominal pain, flatulence, diarrhea and constipation. The symptoms can change and occur in episodes. At MedWatcher you will find detailed information and articles on irritable bowel syndrome. Find out more now!
Stress, certain foods or an imbalance in the intestinal flora can contribute to irritable bowel syndrome. However, the exact cause is often unclear. MedWatcher offers further information on possible triggers and causes.
In irritable bowel syndrome, the intestinal structures are normal and there is no inflammation as in other intestinal diseases. However, the symptoms are similar and an accurate diagnosis is important.
Dietary changes, probiotics, stress management and medication can help to alleviate the symptoms. The therapy is individually adapted.
Yes, recognizing and avoiding triggers, eating a balanced diet and reducing stress can help to reduce flare-ups.