Signs and Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
    Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is a functional bowel disorder in which abdominal pain or discomfort is associated with a change in bowel habit. Sensations of discomfort (bloating), distension, and disordered defecation are commonly associated features. Its difficult to diagnose and manage. It affects about 10-12% of the population globally. 
Submitted by Sanjog bhagat on 9 August 2016

The symptoms vary between individuals and some people have more severe symptoms than others. The symptoms tend to come and go – they may last for a few days or for a few months, often during times of stress or after eating certain foods.

Symptoms may include:

  • Diarrhoea (sudden and explosive episodes)
  • Constipation
  • Alternating episodes of diarrhoea and constipation
  • Stools appearing harder or very loose  
  • Abdominal pain usually occurs in the lower half of the abdomen; pain is aggravated by meals and relieved by having a bowel movement
  • Often, the person has frequent bowel movements, when they have pain and the stools are looser.

Depending on the symptoms, IBS can be subtyped or subclassified. Read about the Types of IBS. 

Community
Kidney, Urinary, Gastro Intestinal, Liver
Condition
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Changed
Thu, 08/31/2017 - 17:34

Stories

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  • Signs and Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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  • Causes and Risk Factors of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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  • Tests and Diagnosis for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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  • Image: Stock pic of a man in a white t-shirt holding is tummy which is marked in red as affected body part
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