What are symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is also known as spastic colon, irritable colon, mucous colitis, and spastic colitis. It is a separate condition from inflammatory bowel disease and isn’t related to other bowel conditions. IBS is a group of intestinal symptoms that typically occur together.

Symptoms

The symptoms vary in severity and duration from person to person. However the most common include: Abdominal painrnCramping or bloating that is typically relieved or partially relieved by passing a bowel movementrnExcess gasrnDiarrhea or constipation — sometimes alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipationrnMucus in the stool

Symptoms of IBS can be triggered by:

Food:The role of food allergy or intolerance in IBS isn't fully understood. A true food allergy rarely causes IBS. But many people have worse IBS symptoms when they eat or drink certain foods or beverages, including wheat, dairy products, citrus fruits, beans, cabbage, milk, and carbonated drinks. Stress: Most people with IBS experience worse or more frequent signs and symptoms during periods of increased stress. But while stress may aggravate symptoms, it doesn't cause them. Hormones: Women are twice as likely to have IBS, which might indicate that hormonal changes play a role. Many women find that signs and symptoms are worse during or around their menstrual periods. Consult Gastroenterologist if you have a persistent change in bowel habits or other signs or symptoms of IBS. They may indicate a more serious condition, such as colon cancer.

More-serious signs and symptoms include:

i. Weight Lossrnii. Diarrhea at nightrniii. Rectal bleedingrniv. Iron deficiency anemiarnv. Unexplained vomitingrnvi. Difficulty swallowingrnvii. Persistent pain that isn't relieved by passing gas or a bowel movement

IBS doesn’t increase your risk of gastrointestinal cancers, but it can still have a significant effect on your life.