IBS symptoms include lower abdominal pain, excess gas, diarrhea and/or constipation, a swollen belly or mucus in the stool.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterized by inflammation of the intestinal villi. The cause of this condition is not fully known, but risk factors that can contribute to its development and trigger symptoms include stress, diet or some medications.
If you notice symptoms of IBS and suspect you may have this condition. , it is important to see your family doctor or a gastroenterologist for assessment. The doctor will assess your symptoms and eating habits, and recommend treatment as needed.
Common symptoms
The main symptoms of IBS are:
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Excess intestinal gas
- Diarrhea, with at least three bowel movements per day
- Constipation, with less than three bowel movements per week
- Swollen belly
- Noticeable improvement in abdominal pain after a bowel movement or after eliminating intestinal gas;
- Feeling that you were unable to evacuate a complete bowel movement
- Soft, hard or grainy stools
- Whitish mucus in the stool
- Urgency to have a bowel movement
With IBS, the frequency and consistency of your stools will alternate between periods of diarrhea and constipation.
Typically, IBS symptoms are triggered by eating specific foods or emotional stress.
IBS pain
People with IBS will typically report pain in the lower abdomen. Learn more about what can cause lower abdominal pain and the other symptoms it can present with.
The way this pain is described can vary from person to person. It can be described as sharp, stabbing, cramping or burning.
Online symptoms quiz
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Please note that this test is only a guidance tool, and does not replace a consultation or diagnosis from a doctor.
Confirming a diagnosis
Irritable bowel syndrome is diagnosed by a gastroenterologist, who will assess your symptoms and health history, and perform a physical examination.
IBS is typically suspected in patients who experience abdominal pain at least once a week in the last 3 months.
This abdominal pain should also present with 2 or more other symptoms, like diarrhea, constipation, or discomfort with bowel movements.
In some cases, your doctor may order tests such as a stool test, colonoscopy, endoscopy, CT scan, or lactose intolerance test to rule out other conditions that may present with similar symptoms.
Treatment options
Typically, treatment changes to dietary habits and/or the use of probiotic medications and antidepressants. These can help to reduce and manage pain and other symptoms.
Learn more about the IBS diet that you doctor may advise and how to get started.
Engaging in strategies for stress management can also help to reduce the severity of symptoms and reduce the likelihood of symptoms being triggered.
Duration of IBS symptoms
Symptoms of IBS can last for just a few days, or persist of weeks or months. Some symptoms may appear at different times, and may not present the same way with each IBS flare-up.
Patients with IBS will experience periods of improvement, worsening or even a total absence of symptoms, and the severity of symptoms may vary from person to person.
Although the underlying cause of IBS is not fully known, it appears that symptoms tend to worsen during periods of stress and anxiety.