irritable bowel syndrome

noun

: a chronic functional disorder of the colon that is characterized especially by constipation or diarrhea, cramping abdominal pain, and the passage of mucus in the stool

—abbreviation IBS

Examples of irritable bowel syndrome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

By Jamie Friedlander Serrano October 21, 2024 10:58 AM EDT Somewhere between 60 and 70 million Americans have digestive conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, acid reflux, chronic constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and hemorrhoids. —Jamie Friedlander Serrano, TIME, 21 Oct. 2024

Healthcare providers commonly recommend this type of diet to people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other digestive issues.21 Interactions There is evidence that apple juice may cause some medications not to work correctly. —Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 28 Oct. 2024

Treatment for irritable bowel syndrome, IBS, often includes restricting certain foods, such as carbohydrates, but that doesn’t work for everyone. —New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2024

Prescription drugs are also used for constipation related to a disorder, such as chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). —Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 21 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

irritable bowel syndrome

noun

: a chronic functional disorder of the colon that is of unknown etiology but is often associated with abnormal intestinal motility and increased sensitivity to visceral pain and that is characterized by diarrhea or constipation or diarrhea alternating with constipation, abdominal pain or discomfort, abdominal bloating, and passage of mucus in the stool

—abbreviation IBS

called also irritable colon, irritable colon syndrome, mucous colitis, spastic colon