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IBS symptoms are important to understand as it is your group of symptoms that helps the doctor to diagnose IBS. On this webpage you will learn more about these symptoms. You should click on the links to gain a greater knowledge of the symptoms.
<<>> These include stomach cramps and diarrhea , constipation and bloating . There's no diagnostic test for IBS, although investigations are often undertaken to exclude other conditions that can present with similar symptoms to IBS. Sufferers over the age of 45 years are normally investigated further as other causes for the symptoms can include Bowel Cancer and Ovarian Cancer in women. Infections, IBD (Inflammatory bowel disease), Celiac (Coeliac) disease , Diverticular disease and rarer bowel conditions can present with these symptoms, particularly stomach cramps and diarrhea. It’s always important to seek advice from a health care professional for peace of mind and to discuss any need for further bowel investigations. Symptoms of bleeding from the back passage , weight loss, being off food and family history of chronic bowel disease or bowel cancer should always be investigated further as they are not IBS symptoms.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome can be with chronic constipation (commonly called Constipation-Predominant IBS or IBS-C) or chronic diarrhea (called Diarrhea-Predominant IBS). However, there’s often a mixture of the two symptoms known as IBS-A or alternating symptom type IBS, with stool size in the chronic constipation group ranging from small pellets ('rabbit pellet stool') to a more solid, large stool of variable solidity. Diarrhea is usually watery to very soft, brown stool.
IBS can occur after a bout of
gastroenteritis
(acute bowel infection) and is known as IBS-PI or post-infectious IBS. This form of IBS can settle, although it can become more chronic.
Symptoms of IBS occur at anytime, but are most common in the morning. 'Urgency' to go to the toilet, a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bowel (doctors call this tenesmus) often coincide.
Curiously, IBS symptoms usually occur during the daytime only. IBS symptoms at night or 'nocturnal' symptoms are unusual and shouold always be investigated further to exclude organic causes for your symptoms which are more common in this situation. Abdominal pain can be either diffuse or occur in areas or quadrants of the abdomen, often in the lower abdomen (left, right or both). The pain can be colicky, spasmsmodic or sharp. They are often more of a vague discomfort.
Sometimes symptoms can be so intense that sufferers can be admitted to hospital with features of an ‘acute abdomen’ although this is uncommon. Symptoms usually, although not always, ease with passing a bowel motion.
The pain is often associated with bloating or swelling of the abdomen.
Wind and bloating are common symptoms and sufferers are usually concerned about this, because of the potential for embarrassment in public places. This is known as flatus by doctors.
<<>> The colon or large bowel produces a natural lubricant called bowel mucus and this is sometimes quite excessive in IBS sufferers. Concern is often raised about mucus although it is rarely a symptom of more serious disease. It is however a common reason for referral to a gastroenterologist .Bleeding can occur, particularly with constipation due to trauma or hemorrhoids. However, bleeding should always be investigated to exclude other causes of bleeding such as colitis, polyps or cancers which are not associated with IBS, but can occur alongside.
More vague symptoms of headache, nausea, lethargy, indigestion, tiredness , anxiety , increased urination and general aches & pains can also occur with the bowel symptoms. You can read more about these by clicking on the links.
Other conditions are commonly seen in IBS including
fibromyalgia.
,
Anxiety
and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Read more about these by clicking on the links.
Summary of IBS symptoms
• Diarrhea • Nausea
• Constipation • Lethargy
• Alternating diarrhea & constipation • Tiredness
• Wind • Muscle aches
• Bloating • Urine frequency
• Incomplete feeling of bowel evacuation • Headaches
• Abdominal pain • Reflux
• Mucus • Anxiety
Why Don't You Discuss Your IBS Symptoms With Others In The IBS Symptoms Forum?
IBS SYMPTOMS FORUM Welcome to our IBS SYMPTOMS forum! You can ask questions, or comment on nearly anything related to your symptoms. This is a great place to find others who have experienced the same problems you have!
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