Final answer:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disease characterized by periodic disturbances of bowel function. It is often triggered by stress and can result in symptoms such as diarrhea or constipation accompanied by abdominal pain. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter, is commonly used to treat IBS.
Step-by-step explanation:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common condition characterized by periodic disturbances of bowel function such as diarrhea or constipation usually associated with abdominal pain. It is a chronic gastrointestinal disease that is often triggered by stress. One of the main treatments for IBS is the use of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which activates second messenger cascades that regulate gene expression. Serotonin has an association with a sense of well-being and is synthesized in neurons that enervate smooth muscle cells lining the gastrointestinal tract.