Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the commonest disorders of the digestive system and primarily affects the large intestine. It presents as pain in abdomen, diarrhea and/ or constipation with bloating and gases. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is also commonly known by other names such as spastic colitis, spastic colon, mucous colitis, etc.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects people of all ages though it tends to be common before 35 years of age in more than half the patients. Gender predilection is clearly evident with more females being affected as compared to males.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is basically a functional disease in nature which means that though the disease causes abnormalities of function, there are no pathological changes seen in the intestines - no permanent damage to the intestine occurs. Examining the intestines with the naked eye or under the microscope does not reveal any abnormalities like inflammation or other changes. In addition, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) does not increase the risk for cancer (colorectal cancer) as other intestinal diseases like Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn's disease do.

An estimated 15 to 20 percent of people all over the world suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and it is one of the prime causes of absenteeism from work. The cost of treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and the indirect costs due to lost working hours and loss of productivity amount to billions of dollars globally. In addition, millions of dollars are spent for on-going research on this disease. Yet the cause of this condition continues to evade the medical fraternity.

A large number of patients can manage their symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with proper medication and certain changes in their diet and lifestyle. Homeopathy has a safe and effective solution to this problem and one that is without any side effects. Homeopathic treatment can go a long way in ensuring that the digestive system of the patient is gradually restored back to normal.