Irritable bowel syndrome is a painful, and embarrassing, condition. There are several possible factors that lead to an individual's particular experience with irritable bowel syndrome. In some cases, the colon lining does not absorb fluids properly. Food sensitivities and Celiac disease, which is a gluten intolerance, may prompt this bowel syndrome. Once trigger foods are removed from the patient's diet, they should experience a decrease in symptoms. Stress is also a major contributing factor.