Research also indicates that IBS is a complex disorder. Symptoms of IBS are seen as an imbalance in the interaction between the intestines, the brain, sensory function, and the autonomic nervous system that alters regulation of bowel motility (motor function). 

IBS is called a functional disorder.  A functional disorder is a condition where the primary abnormality is a chronic problem in function (the way the body works), rather than an identifiable inflammatory, infectious, structural, or biochemical cause.  A  lot of things things have been shown to help 

IBS does not cause cancer or permanent damage to the bowel.  IBS does not cause intestinal bleeding.  IBS does not require surgery, and it doesn't shorten life.

Two thirds of the patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome are women.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is the second biggest reason given for people to stay home from work.  Irritable Bowel Syndrome accounts for approximately 10% of all doctor visits and 50% of all visits to gastroenterologists.

For most people, the IBS signs and symptoms are mild.  In fact, many people don't even realize that they are suffering from this condition.  A very small percentage of people actually have very severe signs and symptoms.  During times when the symptoms are bad, IBS can cause a lot of pain and be quite disabling.  In fact, IBS symptoms range in severity from an occasional mild episode to a debilitating, life altering illness, which prevents the individual from working or from functioning normally.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is also know under various other names, such as: nervous stomach,spastic bowel, spastic colon, colitis, irritable colon, mucous colitis, and more.