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Help control the uncomfortable symptoms

	Symptoms for IBS can vary a lot, but most people feel some discomfort and experience either constipation or diarrhea, or both. ConsumerReportsHealth.org can help you find treatments to control the symptoms of IBS.
	Subscribe to ConsumerReportsHealth.org today and find out whether medications or dietary supplements rate best for treating IBS.

If you or someone you know is diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you're not alone. Consumer Reports Health can help with the best research about irritable bowel syndrome, and expert evidence and advice about treatments.

Key points for people with irritable bowel syndrome

• IBS is very common. It affects about 1 in 7 people, most of them women.
• IBS can cause a lot of pain. But it doesn't lead to more serious diseases, such as cancer.
• There's no cure for IBS. But there are treatments that can help your symptoms.
• Anti-spasmodic drugs may help relieve pain.
• A fiber supplement could relieve constipation.
• Your doctor may try to help your symptoms without using drugs, and will probably recommend that you take drugs only when you really need them.
• If you have IBS, there are things you can do for yourself that might help, such as learning to deal with stress.

Unlike lots of other long-term conditions, IBS tends to appear when people are young or middle-aged, rather than older. Symptoms begin before the age of 50 in half of all people who are diagnosed with IBS. About 4 in 10 people with IBS are between 35 and 50.

If you have IBS, there are things you can do for yourself that might help, such as learning to deal with stress. Learning as much as you can about IBS will help you cope better. As a Consumer Reports Health subscriber, you’ll have access to our expert research and recommendations, and you’ll be more confident and knowledgeable about which treatments are best for you.