Irritable Bowel Syndrome       What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is one of a range of conditions known as "functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders." In IBS, this "disorder of functioning" is with the way nerves and muscles are working. In the doctor's office nothing abnormal is seen on tests.  Irritable bowel syndrome is also known as spastic colon, irritable colon, mucous colitis, and spastic colitis. IBS is not a disease. It is a term used to describe a group of symptoms that typically happen together.   A number of factors can "trigger" IBS, including certain foods, medicines, and emotional stress. Some research has suggested that excess bacteria in the GI tract may contribute to symptoms.        Symptoms Cramping Abdominal pain Abdominal discomfort Abdominal spasms Bloating Constipation Diarrhea Belching Backache Headache Nausea Heartburn                           What Veterans May Be Affected Combat veterans Veterans who served in the Middle East Veterans exposed to known carcinogens at a stateside base (i.e., Camp Lejeune)                [ Back ]