Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Most Common Gut Disorder–Key Symptoms to Watch For

In IBS, the gut’s signals go haywire–normal messages get misinterpreted, and the body responds as if something’s wrong.

Illustration by The Epoch Times, Shutterstock

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common gastrointestinal (GI) disorder worldwide. Despite its prevalence, IBS remains underdiagnosed in the United States—fewer than half of adults with the condition even receive a formal diagnosis.

The condition manifests differently in each person, with symptoms ranging from mild inconvenience to significantly affected daily life. However, IBS does not cause permanent damage to your intestines or lead to serious diseases like cancer.