Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a non-fatal, treatable condition marked by pain of the abdomen. A condition rather than a disease, it is uncertain as to what causes IBS. Chronic diarrhea (containing a white mucus), and bloating, are symptoms of IBS. A doctor may diagnose IBS through a colonoscopy, where a long tube is inserted into the patient's rear, or lower gastrointestinal (GI) tests. Prescription drugs and healthy lifestyle changes can treat IBS, though there is no known cure.