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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?