Symptoms And Signs of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Symptoms And Signs of irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Symptoms appear after the age of 20 years and it affects more women than men. Women may find that their symptoms are worse during their menstrual cycles. People suffering from irritable Bowel Syndrome (iBS) frequently suffer from depression and anxiety and these can worsen their symptoms.

• Chronic or recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort
• Chronic or recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort is a diagnostic feature of IBS. Pain can occur at any location in the abdomen. The severity, duration and quality of the pain are variable. Sometimes it is mild, at other times it is distressing. There are three important features that define the pain due to IBS:
1. The pain is relieved with defecation
2. It is associated with a change in stool frequency
3. It is associated with a change in appearance of stool
• If the abdominal pain isrelated to exercise, urination, or menstruation, it is highly unlikely for iBS to be the cause.
• Alteration in bowel habits
• Alteration in bowel habits is a consistent clinical feature. Diarrhoea, constipation, or a combination of both can occur.
• Bloating
• Bloating is common. Patient complaints of abdominal distension. There is often increased belching or flatulence.

A number of other symptoms which may not be diagnostic of iBS can occur:

• Heartburn
• Nausea, usually without vomiting
• Difficulty swallowing (Most often this is the feel of a lump in the throat between meals)
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Back pain
• Urinary symptoms