Irritable Bowel Syndrome FAQ

Irritable Bowel Syndrome FAQ

PART 1: Background
1a: What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
1b: What is the prevalence of IBS?
1c: What factors contribute to the onset of IBS?
1d: How long does IBS last?
1e: What effect does IBS have on one's lifestyle?
1f: Are my symptoms just "all in my head" or psychosomatic?
1g: What factors contribute to health care utilization?

PART 2: Symptoms
2a: What are the symptoms of IBS?
2b: How severe are these symptoms?
2c: Does everybody get the same symptoms?

PART 3: Medical Facts
3a: What causes IBS?
3b: What is the role of psychological and/or social factors in IBS?
3c: Is IBS life-threatening?
3d: Will IBS lead to colon or rectal cancer?
3e: Will IBS lead to IBD (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis)?
3f: Will my IBS eventually go away, or will I have it for the rest of my life?

PART 4: Diagnosis
4a: How do I know for sure if I have IBS?
4b: Is IBS a legitimate diagnosis? Should I seek a second opinion?

PART 5: Related Maladies
5a: How does IBS differ from Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis?
5b: How does IBS differ from gluten enteropathy/celiac disease?
5c: 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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