What is irritable bowel disease?
A person with irritable bowel disease has episodes of diarrhea, constipation and abdominal pain that worsen with emotional stress. About 10 percent of people in the US have irritable bowel disease. The symptoms start in the teenage years, and tend to decrease with age.

What are the symptoms of irritable bowel disease?
Symptoms of irritable bowel disease include abdominal pain that is crampy, worse after eating, and relieved by having a bowel movement. Additional symptoms include abdominal swelling, bloating, excess gas, constipation, diarrhea, anorexia, and abnormal appearing stool. Symptoms of irritable bowel disease usually worsen with stress or anxiety.

How does the doctor treat irritable bowel disease?
Treatment for irritable bowel disease includes a high fiber diet, medications that relieve bowel spasms, anti-anxiety medications, and antidepressants.