IBS is a mix of belly discomfort or pain and trouble with bowel habits.

Women are about twice as likely to have IBS as men. Growing research shows that sex hormones may be the reason.

It’s easy to mix up these conditions, but inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) aren’t the same.

We all have trouble going to the bathroom sometimes. But for those with IBS, the chronic pain and discomfort can be disabling.

There are three types of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), each with different symptoms. Understand the difference between them.

IBS that causes increased diarrhea is often called IBS-D.

People with IBS-D often find relief through dietary changes, meds, stress relief, or behavioral or alternative therapies.

The goal of treatment for IBS-C is to soothe the stomachaches, pain, and bloating that are also common symptoms.

Some patients turn to alternative treatments such as acupuncture, dietary supplements, and herbs for help with IBS.

IBS and lactose intolerance cause symptoms that are nearly identical. But there are differences in causes and treatment.

There may not be a cure for irritable bowel syndrome, but there are ways to deal with its daily challenges.

When you know the things that can make your IBS symptoms flare up, you can make a plan to avoid them.

If you have IBS, limiting carbohydrates that are fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs) may help.

Smart eating habits can make your life a little easier when you have irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea, or IBS-D.

People who have irritable bowel syndrome tend to have other conditions along with it.

It is not clear how stress, anxiety, and IBS are related -- or which one comes first -- but studies show they tend to co-exist.

As far as experts know, IBS doesn't cause depression, and depression doesn’t cause IBS. But for many, the two go together.

Learn ways to manage the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome while on the job.

Whether you're newly diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) or are already in treatment, learn how to make the most of your doctor appointment.