IBS Symptoms

IBS is quite a common condition. A lot of people experience IBS with symptoms that are so mild that seeing a doctor for treatment has not been an option. Some people though may have troublesome IBS symptoms, especially stomach cramps, bloating, and diarrhea.

There is an outlined list of common IBS symptoms and this is known as Rome III criteria. Doctors often use this list of symptoms, to distinguish IBS from other intestinal problems. However, there may also be instances where people who don't have all of the symptoms and yet, may still have IBS.

The Rome III criteria for IBS is met if the symptoms felt began at least 6 months ago and for the last 3 months there's an abdominal pain or discomfort felt that last for at least 3 days. Also, at least two of the following statements are true:

• Having a bowel movement relieves the pain.
• A change in how often a bowel movement occurred is linked to the pain.
• A change in the appearance or consistency of the stool is linked to the pain.

Also, the presence of any of the following symptoms supports a diagnosis of IBS.

Bowel movement patterns

In IBS, the pattern of bowel movements varies at least 25% of the time and two or more of the following may happen:

• Bowel movements occur either more often (diarrhea) or less often (constipation) than usual, like having more than 3 bowel movements a day or less than 3 per week.
• Bowel movements differ in size or consistency (it may be hard and pellet like, pencil-thin, or loose and watery).
• The way how stools pass changes. One may strain and have an urgent feel for a need to have a bowel movement, or have a feeling that a stool haven't completely passed.
• There's a bloating or a feeling of gas in the intestines.

Other intestinal symptoms

Lower abdominal pain may be felt by some people accompanied with constipation that is sometimes followed by diarrhea. Other people may have pain and mild constipation but no diarrhea.

Intestinal gas and passage of mucus in stools are also some symptoms that are sometimes present.

Nongastrointestinal symptoms

There are also other symptoms that can be felt that doesn't affect the intestines, such as: anxiety or depression, fatigue, headache, unpleasant taste in the mouth, backache, sleeping problems (insomnia), sexual problems, such as pain during sex intercourse or reduced sexual desire, heart palpitations (feeling like the heart skips a beat or is fluttering), urinary symptoms (frequent or urgent need to urinate, trouble starting the urine stream, trouble emptying the bladder).

It is also important to note that the IBS symptoms may get worse when one is under stress as well as when one doesn't eat enough healthy foods or after you've eaten a big meal. Women who have IBS may also notice more frequent symptoms during menstrual periods.

Understanding IBS Symptoms Recommended Resources:

Health Link - Medical College of Wisconsin

University at Buffalo