Irritable Bowel Syndrome FAQ

PART 1: Background

1. What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?1b: What is the prevalence of IBS?
2. What factors contribute to the onset of IBS?
3. How long does IBS last?
4. What effect does IBS have on one's lifestyle?
5. Are my symptoms just "all in my head" or psychosomatic?
6. What factors contribute to health care utilization?

PART 2: Symptoms

1. What are the symptoms of IBS?
2. How severe are these symptoms?
3. Does everybody get the same symptoms?

PART 3: Medical Facts

1. What causes IBS?
2. What is the role of psychological and/or social factors in IBS?
3. Is IBS life-threatening?
4. Will IBS lead to colon or rectal cancer?
5. Will IBS lead to IBD (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis)?
6. Will my IBS eventually go away, or will I have it for the rest of my life?

PART 4: Diagnosis

1. How do I know for sure if I have IBS?
2. Is IBS a legitimate diagnosis?
3. Should I seek a second opinion?

PART 5: Related Maladies

1. How does IBS differ from Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis?
2. How does IBS differ from gluten enteropathy/celiac disease?
3. How does IBS relate to other broad-spectrum symdromes, such as Fibromylagia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS), Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome (MCSS), and others?

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