Renee, there are some 28 or so functional bowel disorders that effect different areas of digestive tract. Like upper gi and lower gi and anal rectal disorders.
IBS effects basically the large colon. So that incorporates the transverse ect..
The IBS is a distint enity means it is not what a lot of layman call it, as in any "gi disorder" or calling it a candida infection or food allergy for example. There is a difference between what is called organic diseases or infections and functional disorders. A lot of people think IBS is just a label for "any gi disorder", its not. THAT IS VERY IMPORTANT.
They have found physical problems, including strutural and other issues in almost all IBSers. They just don't know the exact cause/causes yet.
The main problem in IBS effects the funtioning of the large colon. For example this is one reason why there is not malabsorption in IBS and ibsers digest there food normally, because that is done in the small intestines.
IBS is a very real physical problem.
You can feel pain all over because of what is called referral pain and the way the nerves work there. Sometimes you may feel pain on one side, but it can be coming from a different area. Pain in IBS is also kindof specific.
This explains the different functional gi disorders.
So calling IBS things like food allergies or Candida or infections, is not IBS, but other conditions. Because IBS is its own disorder. Just like say Gerd is its own disorder or an ulcer its own disorder.
IBS has thre issues.
altered motility-the d or c or d/c
viceral hypersensitvity-the pain and discomfort
altered brain gut axis dysfunctioning-The back and forth communication between the digestive system and the brain.
Diagnostic advances: Symptoms and the roles of biological markers in IBS How is our understanding of IBS changing? Will the way IBS is diagnosed change? An interview with Douglas A. Drossman, MD, Co-Director, UNC Center for Functional GI & Motility Disorders, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC. Dr. Drossman is a clinician, a clinical researcher, and an educator.
So the people calling IBS an infection such as candida is totally wrong and can hurt people's treatments.
You might want to watch this also
Douglas A. Drossman, MD Co-Director UNC Chapel Hill FGID Douglas A. Drossman MD, Co-Director of Center speaks on Public Broadcasting Station on the Patient-Doctor relationship and IBS
Nationwide airings of PBS Talking About Your GI Health