Irritated by IBS?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is not all that uncommon -- affecting 10-15 percent of people worldwide. It's characterised as discomfort or pain in the belly and trouble with bowel habits: either diarrhea or constipation.

IBS can be unpredictable and long-term symptoms can cause disruption in personal and professional lives.

Exact reason behind IBS is not known. There are, however, some factors that appear to play a role. Lack of properly coordinated signals between the brain and the intestines can cause reaction -- resulting in discomfort, diarrhea or constipation.

IBS can develop after a spell of diarrhea caused by bacteria or a virus. It may also be associated with bacterial overgrowth in the intestines.

Those exposed to stress, especially early on in life, tend to have symptoms of IBS.

Many among those suffering from IBS report that particular foods trigger symptoms, and avoid those foods. Sometimes people with IBS exclude multiple foods from the diet. Why certain foods generate symptoms, however, is unclear.

What you can do to ease symptoms: avoid caffeine (tea, coffee, soft drinks), eat more fiber like fruits, vegetables and whole grains, drink at least three to four glasses of water every day, try to get more exercise and reduce stress in your life, eat smaller meals instead of big meals.

When to talk to your doctor: severe abdominal pain, new symptoms starting around age 50, blood in stool, difficulty focusing or changes in behaviour, migraines and rapid, unexplained weight loss.