Jan. 16, 2012 | Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a common disorder that affects your colon, which is also known as the large intestine or large bowel. Irritable bowel syndrome commonly causes cramping, abdominal pain, bloating gas, diarrhea and constipation. Despite these uncomfortable signs and symptoms, IBS doesn’t cause permanent damage to your colon. Approximately 20 percent of Arkansans will have IBS symptoms at some point in their lives. Most people with IBS find that their symptoms improve as they learn to control the condition. Only a small number of people with irritable bowel syndrome have disabling signs and symptoms. Fortunately, unlike more serious intestinal diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome doesn’t cause inflammation or changes in bowel tissue or increase your risk of colorectal cancer. In many cases, you can control irritable bowel syndrome by managing your diet, lifestyle and stress.