How common is irritable bowel syndrome? Can it be caused by an inverted cecum? What other problems can an inverted cecum create?

Q. How common is irritable bowel syndrome? Can it be caused by an inverted cecum? What other problems can an inverted cecum create?

A. Irritable bowel syndrome is a very common disorder. It is characterized by abdominal bloating and excess gas, occasional bouts of loose stools, and is often associated with stress. In fact, in many ways an "irritable bowel" is to some people what a tension headache is to others. It can be treated with a high fiber diet or (if stress is involved) stress reduction. Medications can be prescribed.

I am not familiar with the term "inverted cecum." The cecum is the very first part of the large intestine, right where the small intestine enters the large intestine. The appendix is attached to the cecum. The appendix can invert into the cecum, which could cause symptoms but should not be confused with irritable bowel syndrome. There is also a common condition called "floppy cecum," in which the cecum is not tightly "tied down" to the abdomen, and it moves around a bit. (The intestine is attached to the body by a tissue, which can be especially long in some people.) This, too, should not cause symptoms.

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