subject: Five common symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome [print this page] Five common symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is also known as spastic colon or IBS. It is a functional bowel disorder. Five common signs of Irritable bowel syndrome include chronic abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating, and alteration of bowel habits with no obvious organic reason. For most people, IBS is a chronic conditionsometimes severe, sometimes milder. Stress, fatigue, and illness often intensify the symptoms of IBS. Many times, when life is relatively stress-free, symptoms may improve or even disappear. Symptoms may subside for a few months and then return, while others report a constant worsening of symptoms over time
How is Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diagnosed?
Usually IBS is a question of elimination. When other bowel ailments such as bowel obstruction, bowel cancer, bowel disease, Celiac disease, or thyroid disordersare ruled out the diagnosis is IBS.
Five Common Signs of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
There are several signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. These vary widely from person to person. Sometimes symptoms of IBS make the disease resemble other illnesses. However there are five common signs of irritable bowel syndrome. These almost always include the following:
Abdominal pain or cramping. This is often described as a "crampy" feeling, or a generalized ache with periods of cramps. Sharp, dull, gas-like, or modest pains are common as well. This discomfort or pain usually eases after a bowel movement.A bloated feeling. IBS sufferers have a sensation of abdominal fullness.
Gas. There are increased amounts and occurrences of flatus,passing gas, or flatulence.
Diarrhea or constipation.Sometimes only one of these is present. Some sufferers experience alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea. Some people with IBS experience diarrhea, which is frequent, loose, watery, stools. People with diarrhea frequently feel an urgent and uncontrollable need to have a bowel movement.
Mucus in the stool. This is a fluid that moistens and protects passages in the digestive system. IBS sufferers' stool is often wrapped in mucus.
However, there are hundreds of potential symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and as such it is always recommended to firt visit a physician for a full diagnosis. This way you will be sure that you're presenting the symptoms which are most commonly experienced with the condition.
