Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is classified as what type of disorder?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is classified as a motility disorder because it primarily involves alterations in the movement and function of the muscles in the digestive tract. Individuals with IBS experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, which arise from abnormal contractions of the intestinal muscles. These motility issues can lead to either diarrhea or constipation, depending on how the intestines react during episodes.

The characteristics of IBS as a motility disorder differentiate it from other types of gastrointestinal issues. For example, an infectious disorder would typically involve disruption due to pathogens, while an inflammatory disorder is associated with chronic inflammation affecting gut tissues, such as in conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Similarly, a structural disorder refers to visible or detectable physical changes in the anatomy of the gastrointestinal system, which does not apply to IBS as there are no structural abnormalities seen in imaging studies. This understanding reinforces why IBS is best categorized as a motility disorder.