What is irritable bowel syndrome

I was recently diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Kindly let me know what this means.

Goke (by SMS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic digestive disorder that causes recurrent abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements, such as diarrhea, constipation, or both. 

It is a disorder of the gut-brain axis and involves symptoms like bloating and gas, but without any visible damage or disease in the digestive tract. While it doesn’t increase the risk of cancer, it is an ongoing condition that can significantly impact quality of life and requires long-term management through diet and medication changes.  Only a small number of people with IBS have severe symptoms.

Some people can control their symptoms by managing diet, lifestyle and stress. More-severe symptoms can be treated with medicine and counselling. IBS doesn’t cause changes in bowel tissue or increase risk of colorectal cancer.