IBS Symptoms

IBS, also known as irritable bowel syndrome, has affected so many people all over the world already. Because this is a very common disorder, it is better to be informed about IBS symptoms as early as now.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic condition. This means that the condition can progress for longer than six months. The symptoms can also be similar in form to symptoms of other conditions. Thus, it is very easy for one to mistake the symptoms of IBS for that of another condition. The syndrome can start progressing as early as 15 years old, with the symptoms appearing for days at end, or even months. When they do disappear, they remain dormant for several months or so.

Two IBS symptoms that are very common are diarrhea and constipation, which are at opposite sides of the fence. For people who experience diarrhea, they actually feel the compulsion to empty out their bowels after eating. This often occurs after breakfast. Their fecal matter is quite loose and watery. There are also times when you will notice substances with your feces that look like mucus. Because the stools are very loose, you just might feel the need to empty your bowel from time to time. The primary reason for this is that the food particles are processed way faster than normal by the digestive system.

For people who experience constipation, on the other hand, the opposite of the symptoms of diarrhea can be expected. Constipated people actually find it very difficult to excrete their fecal matter, as constricted as these are. Their fecal matter is very hard, and comes in the form of pellets. Getting these pellet-like stools can be very painful. When they are done emptying out their bowels, they still feel that the need to go back to the toilet. The digestive system actually processes food particles slower than normal, thus, leading to very constricted bowel movements.

Another symptom to look out for is abdominal pain. This symptom is actually experienced more by women, and is often mistaken by the usual abdominal pain that comes with menstruation. There are times when the pain can be just mild. Other times, the pain can happen in its most severe form, recurring for many times during the day and night as well.

There are more IBS symptoms, too, which include nausea, depression, back pain, groin pain, indigestion, vomiting, and sleep disturbances. If you have been experiencing these IBS symptoms for quite some time now, you should consult your physician right away.