Irritable Bowel Syndrome the Common Symptoms

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which may also be referred to as IBS, intestinal neurosis, mucous colitis, spastic colitis, or spastic colon comprises of a number of specific symptoms.

These symptoms can affect an individual's functioning as well as their levels of discomforts. By becoming aware of these symptoms, you will be able to take the first steps to prevent the problem. Therefore, defining the symptoms of IBS is an important step. 

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 caused by irregular muscular contractions that have trapped both gas and waste products. 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 or alternating constipation and diarrhea. 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. Those that are diagnosed with IBS will have this problem for twelve or more weeks. One of the questions your doctor will ask is how long have you had this problem. 

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 gas or heartburn.

Because the digestion in your system is not functioning as it normally should, 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.

Some people may experience mucus in their stools on an irregular basis. It is important to maintain the mucous lining of the intestine so taking a probiotic during bouts of diarrhea is very important.

Some symptoms that are not normal for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Bleeding is not normal for IBS and may indicate ulcerative colitis or Crohn's Disease.

Fever and weight loss are not considered part of IBS and should you notice these symptoms, along with your other IBS symptoms, you should see a doctor to establish the cause.

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