How the Gut Works

The small intestine is where most of the digestion of food occurs. The large intestine is the waste removal system of the body. When IBS symptoms occur you have a problem with how the gut is working.

IBS Symptoms 

1. Abdominal Pain and Cramping 

The pain in the abdomen associated with IBS usually occurs in the lower abdomen below the belly button. The painful feeling can occur anywhere in the abdomen, but is most commonly found on the lower left side. It can be constant, sharp, dull, or a cramp-like feeling.

2. Constipation

These symptoms typically involve infrequent bowel movements, excessive straining, hard or lumpy stools, and a sensation of incomplete rectal evacuation. Fewer than three bowel movements a week is another symptom. Approximately 20% of IBS patients are diagnosed as being constipated-predominant IBS (C-IBS).

3. Diarrhea

In this symptom pattern, patients report more than three bowel movements per day. The bowel movements are loose or watery stools. In addition, there is an urgent need to have a bowel movement. Approximately 30% of IBS patients are diagnosed as being diarrhea-predominant IBS (D-IBS).

4. Alternating Gastroenteral Symptoms

The most common IBS symptom pattern that occurs in 50% of the cases is an alternation between loose, watery bowel movements and hard and lumpy stools. For example, there can be a day of several loose, watery stools followed by having no bowel movement for several days. In this case the stool consistency is erratic. This diagnosis is called alternating IBS (A-IBS)

5. Abdominal Bloating and Distention

Bloating feels like excessive abdominal pressure that may or may not be accompanied by abdominal distention or enlargement. Bloating can be painful and uncomfortable. Bloating is seen more commonly in women than men.

6. Dyspepsia

This is a pain or discomfort centered in the upper midline section of the abdomen.

7. Mucus

Passage of mucus in or on the stool is another symptom of IBS.

8. Urgency

The urge to have a bowel movement can be very sudden and unpredictable. This can create anxiety about going out or making plans.

9. Nausea 

This symptom feels like a queasy, sick sensation in the stomach

10. Excessive Gas

Excessive gas can be passed through belching and breaking wind. Scientific studies have shown that it is normal to break wind up to 20 times a day. There are dietary, medication, and natural remedies (peppermint oil) available to treat excessive gas.

Medical Conditions Associated With IBS

There are a number of medical conditions that are associated with IBS to include:

• Fibromyalgia
• Depression
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Differential Diagnosis

There are several different disorders that could masquerade as IBS to include:

 

You should always see a doctor when you experience any new medical symptoms.

The symptoms of IBS are often confused with those of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease). So it is important to see a doctor when you experience any new medical symptoms to ensure that you get an accurate diagnosis.