Signs & Symptoms of IBS

In some peoples symptoms are so mild that they don't bother to see a doctor about them. However, some people can have symptoms that are more troublesome, especially abdominal cramps, bloating and diarrhea. People with more severe IBS are usually affected by one symptom more than the others - either pain, constipation or chronic diarrhea.

The signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome will vary from person to person and often resemble those of other diseases. Among the most common are
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• A bloated feeling
• Gas (flatulence)
• Diarrhea or constipation — people with IBS may also experience alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea
• Mucus in the stool

The Main Symptoms of IBS include
• crimpy pain in the stomach area
• painful constipation - infrequent stools that may be hard and dry
• painful diarrhea - frequent loose stools
Most people have either diarrhea or constipation, but some people have both.
 

Other Symptoms Include
• mucus in the stool
• swollen or bloated stomach area
• feeling like you haven't finished a bowel movement
• gas
• heartburn
• discomfort in the upper stomach area or feeling uncomfortably full or nauseous after eating a normal size meal
Some women with IBS have more or different symptoms during their menstrual periods. Constipation may be relieved or diarrhea may occur in the day or two before or when their period starts.