IBS is a functional gut disorder. Symptoms someone may experience include reoccurring abdominal pain, excessive bloating, changes in bowel frequency and form and/or wind, with the absence of abnormal pathology.

The cause/s of IBS is still unknown. There are, however, certain risk factors that can pre-dispose someone to IBS, such as diet; smoking; alcohol consumption; genetic factors; small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO); stress, anxiety and other psychological states; and intolerances or severe infections.

The month of April is IBS awareness month. Raising awareness for IBS is important for focusing attention on IBS treatment, diagnosis, quality of life and other important information and messages. The more information and awareness raised will ultimately help increase the knowledge and understanding of IBS globally, as well as, provide improved patient care and treatments.