Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms
Irritable bowel syndrome, IBS, symptoms may include cramping pain, bloating, gas, mucus in the stool, and changes in bowel habits. Some people with IBS have constipation, infrequent stools that may be hard, dry and painful.
Others have diarrhea,
frequent loose stools. Some people having alternating constipation and diarrhea. Sometimes a person with IBS has a
cramping urge to move the bowels but cannot do so.
Irritable bowel syndrome is a term used to describe discomfort in the bowel (the colon, or large intestine).
Also referred to as irritable colon, irritable colon syndrome, mucous
colitis and spastic colon.
You may have heard irritable bowel syndrome referred to as "spastic colon" or "spastic bowel." Sometimes IBS is confused with inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis. But IBS is not a disease and does not cause inflammation, bleeding, damage to the bowel, or cancer or other serious diseases. It is called a functional disorder, which means that there is no sign of disease when the colon is examined, but the bowel doesn't work as it should. The cause of IBS is not known, and as yet there is no cure.
Often irritable bowel syndrome is just a mild annoyance, but for some people it can be disabling. They may be unable to go to social events, to go out to a job, or to travel even short distances. Most people with IBS, however, are able to control their symptoms through diet, stress management, and medicines.
Symptoms of IBS may include:
- Cramping pain in the abdomen
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Alternating constipation and diarrhea
- Feeling that you haven't finished a bowel movement
- Gas
- Bloating
- Mucus in the stool
Like many people, you may have only mild signs and symptoms of IBS. Sometimes these problems can be disabling, however. In some cases, you may have severe signs and symptoms that don't respond well to medical treatment.
For most people, IBS is a chronic condition, although there will likely be times when symptoms are worse and times when they improve or even disappear completely.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms to I
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