Good news for young people experiencing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): a new study suggests that two out of three adolescents will no longer have symptoms when they reach adulthood. The research, published February 2, 2026, offers hope and insight into the often-debilitating condition, which can significantly impact quality of life.
IBS is characterized by long-term abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea, irregular bowel movements, and gas. Understanding the long-term trajectory of IBS, particularly during the transition from adolescence to adulthood, is crucial for improving patient care and outcomes.
Researchers from the University of Gothenburg and Karolinska Institutet followed 2,539 individuals born in the 1990s as part of the BAMSE Swedish population study. Participants reported any potential IBS symptoms at ages 16 and 24, using internationally established criteria. The study, published in the journal Gastroenterology, revealed that having IBS at age 16 was the strongest risk factor for experiencing it at age 24.
Although, the prognosis for young people with IBS is generally positive. According to the findings, two-thirds of 16-year-olds diagnosed with IBS no longer met the diagnostic criteria by age 24. “Our results show that IBS in adolescence is not a static condition,” said Jessica Sjölund, a research physician in gastroenterology at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg. “For many, symptoms improve over time, and at the same time we can now better identify those at a greater risk of persistent problems.”
The research team also noted that several factors contributing to the risk of adult IBS are potentially modifiable. This suggests that interventions during adolescence could help prevent the condition from persisting into adulthood. Further research is needed to pinpoint these factors and develop effective strategies for prevention and management.
