Common Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which may also be referred to as IBS, comprises of a number of specific symptoms.  These symptoms can affect an individuals functioning as well as their levels of discomfort. 

By becoming aware of these symptoms, you will be able to take the first step to having the ability to treat or prevent the problem. Therefore, defining the symptoms of IBS is an important step in resolving the problem. 

One major discomfort that will occur due to IBS involves lower abdominal pain.  Many people describe this as a cramping that occurs at different times of the day. 

This is usually due to lower intestine cramping and not being able to digest foodstuffs properly.  If you are experiencing pain that occurs in your lower abdomen area at different times, it is a good indication that you may be suffering from IBS. 

A second symptom that is common with IBS is a change in your bowel functioning.  As a result, you may experience constipation or diarrhea. 

Many times, this change can cause pain and discomfort in your colon and bowel area.  This may not be consistent, and there may not be a pattern in this constant change in function, but it will probably be discomforting. Usually, those that are diagnosed with IBS will have this problem for twelve or more weeks. 

There are also other syndromes that may or may not be a part of IBS.  Bloating and nausea are often times associated with IBS.  Because your system is not able to digest foodstuffs, it will cause a shift in the digestive tract that will cause you to feel these symptoms at different intervals, often causing frequent heartburn.

Because the digestion in your system is not functioning as it normally would, the stomach will often react by moving other parts of the digestive area in the wrong way.  For example, heartburn will occur when the acid in the stomach moves up towards your esophagus instead of completing its digestive cycle.  If this is occurring with the abdominal pains and dysfunctions, it may be a sign that you have IBS. 

There are several other symptoms that will be interpreted as part of IBS.  However, these are generally not part of the diagnosis of IBS.  For example, anemia and bleeding often occur with the symptoms of IBS.  Fever and weight loss may also be present. 

These symptoms are not considered as part of IBS and should you notice these symptoms, along with the IBS symptoms, you should see a doctor to establish the cause.  There may be other serious problems that are occurring in your body that are part of another disorder or problem.

The major symptoms associated with IBS are known to cause several problems in numerous people.  If you have identified the latter mentioned symptoms for a particular amount of time, it is imperative that you see your doctor or begin to try to find a cure for the symptoms of IBS.  IBS can cause discomfort and pain if not controlled, which allows the symptoms to obstruct your everyday functioning.