By Dr. A. Minocha,   author of  "How To Stop Heartburn: Simple Ways to Heal Heartburn and Acid Reflux" and "Natural Stomach Care: Treating and Preventing Digestive Disorders with Best of Eastern and Western Therapies"

Irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulosis are the same...

Is it a Myth or a Fact? Find out below

IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) is characterized by symptoms of pain and abnormal bowel habit. The bowels do not show any evidence of structural abnormalities that would explain the symptoms. Diverticulosis on the other hand implies presence of diverticulum or diverticula (pockets) in the gut. These outpouchings or pockets do not cause symptoms in most instances.

More Facts or Myths

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder characterized most commonly by cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. IBS causes a great deal of discomfort and distress, but it does not permanently harm the intestines and does not lead to a serious disease, such as cancer. Most people can control their symptoms with diet, stress management, and prescribed medications. For some people, however, IBS can be disabling. They may be unable to work, attend social events, or even travel short distances.

As many as 20 percent of the adult population, or one in five Americans, have symptoms of IBS, making it one of the most common disorders diagnosed by doctors. It occurs more often in women than in men, and potentially begins before the age of 35 in about 50 percent of people.