Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms In Women and Men
What are the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in women and men? IBS symptoms are similar in both sexes, although they are more commonly seen in women. The main symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome include stomach cramps and diarrhea, constipation and bloating. The stomach cramps are often in the lower abdomen, although can occur in any part of the abdomen. There's no diagnostic test for Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms, 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), Coeliac disease, diverticular disease and rarer bowel conditions can present with these symptoms, particularly abdominal pain symptoms 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. You can read more about investigations on IBS Help Online. Types Of IBSIBS can be with chronic constipation (commonly called Constipation-Predominant IBS or IBS-C ) or chronic diarrhea (called Diarrhea-Predominant IBS or IBS-D ). However, there’s often a mixture of the two Irritable Bowel Syndrome 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. They can all be associated with stomach cramps. Diarrhea is usually watery to very soft, brown stool.IBS can occur after a bout of stomach flu symptoms (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. 
Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms 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.Symptoms Not Associated With IBSSymptoms of rectal bleeding in IBS , weight loss, anaemia, going off your food should always be investigated further as they are not symptoms of IBS. Bleeding can occur in IBS, particularly with constipation due to trauma or hemorrhoids, but should still be considered for investigation. If there is a family history of chronic bowel disease or bowel cancer, this should be a consideration for further investigation as well. Curiously, symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome usually occur during the daytime only. IBS symptoms at night or 'nocturnal' symptoms are unusual and should always be investigated further to exclude organic causes for your symptoms which are more common in this situation. Abdominal pain or stomach cramps 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, spasm or sharp. They are often more of a vague discomfort. Sometimes symptoms of stomach cramps and diarrhea are so intense that sufferers can be admitted to hospital with features of other ‘acute abdomen’ problems 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. 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. More vague symptoms of headache, nausea, lethargy, indigestion, tiredness , anxiety, increased urination and general aches & pains are also irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Other conditions are commonly seen in IBS including fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Other Web Pages On This Site That May Interest YouIBS Diet Plan
An IBS diet plan may be a way of helping your Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms. It's certainly worth a look and I would advise you go to my IBS Diet Plan page to find out more.
More Symptoms of IBS
So you know the basics, now learn about more symptoms of IBS to gain a more in depth knowledge of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Just go to the More symptoms of IBS to find out more.
IBS Treatment
Probably the single most important page on the website for you. So to help deal with your Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms go to the IBS treatment page now.
Pregnancy and Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Learn more about how pregnancy affects your IBS by going to the
pregnancy and Irritable Bowel Syndrome
page.
IBS Investigation
Do you need any investigations for your symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Find out by going to the IBS investigation page.
Chronic Stomach Pain
Learn about your chronic stomach pain associated with your Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms. Find out ways of managing your pain by going to Chronic stomach pain.
Bloating
Bloating is one of the common symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Learn more about bloating symptoms and how to deal with them by going to the
bloating
page.
Tiredness
Tiredness is another one of the common IBS symptoms. Learn more about tiredness and ways of managing it by going to the Tiredness page.
Rectal Bleeding in IBS
Rectal bleeding in IBS is common although not a Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptom. Learn why it is common by going to the Rectal bleeding in IBS page.
Mucus slime bowel movements IBS rome Free health professional directory Summary of Irritable Bowel Syndrome 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 IBS Symptoms Forum - Ask Others For Advice or Share Your Symptoms
Feedback about your IBS Symptoms and how you manage them to help other sufferers! By feeding back you are letting other sufferers know your experiences of IBS and also contributing to the IBS Help Online community. You may be helped from the comments of others too! Go To IBS Symptoms Go To The Homepage
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Hi, I'm Peter Thatcher, a Medical Physician and Gastroenterologist in the UK. Welcome to my website. I'm here to give you helpful and comprehensive advice on everything to do with your Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I'm also your personal online physician. If you have any medical problems you would like help with, you can book an appointment online with me. To find out more click on my image or go to the
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