IBS Symptoms
The most common symptoms of IBS
About 20% of Americans suffers from IBS, which makes
it one of the most common disorders diagnosed by doctors. It occurs
more often in women than in men, and it usually begins around age
20. Irritable bowel syndrome can be the source of a great deal of
discomfort and distress, but it does not pose a threat to the patient’s
life or does not permanently harm the intestines. IBS does not cause
intestinal bleeding or serious disease such as cancer. Most people
can control and reduce their symptoms with diet, stress management,
and medications prescribed by their physician. But for some people,
IBS can diversely affect the quality of life. They may be unable
to work, participate in social events, or travel even short distances.
What are the symptoms of IBS? People suffering from irritable bowel
syndrome describe their symptoms in various ways: the symptoms can
be reported as cramps in the lower abdomen, gas-like, dull or sharp
pains, or simply nondescript aches. The discomfort or pain in the
abdomen is usually relieved after a bowel movement and does not
occur during sleep.
The most common symptoms of IBS are:
- abdominal discomfort
- abdominal discomfort or pain (bloating, feeling of fullness)
- abnormal stool passage (urgency or
feeling of incomplete emptying)
- presence of mucus in stool
Symptoms of IBS may vary in their intensity in various patients, or
even within an individual patient. Sometimes IBS symptoms may be contradictory
such as alternating constipation and diarrhea. Some people suffering
from IBS also report heartburn, nausea, early feeling of fullness,
or abdominal fullness. Some may also experience the feeling of urgency
or incomplete emptying. Many IBS patients also report non-gastrointestinal
symptoms such as fatigue, depression, low back pain or headache. If
you experience such symptoms as unexpected or sudden weight loss,
fever, bleeding, or anemia, you should inform your doctor immediately
as these are not symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
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