1. What is the difference between abdominal cramps and IBS?

In addition to abdominal pain and cramp, IBS patients suffer often from symptoms of diarrhoea and/or constipation and/or flatulence.

2. Is there any connection between IBS and cancer?

No. IBS is a functional disorder of the bowel and is not related to cancer or tumour growth nor to any other illness. In fact, being diagnosed with IBS may mean that you have had examinations and tests which can positively rule out cancer

3. Does IBS get better as you get older?

IBS can affect people of all ages; however, the symptoms usually become less severe as people get older. The reason for this is not fully understood but leading a less stressful lifestyle, and learning to avoid trigger factors may help to reduce symptoms.

4. Does IBS reduce the life expectancy?

No. IBS is not a life threatening disease.

Understanding different abdominal pains	Abdominal pain and cramps	Irritable Bowel Syndrome	Menstrual pain