Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can be different for each person.
Some of the most common are:

• Abdominal pain
• A bloated feeling
• Gas (flatulence)
• Diarrhea or constipation-sometimes alternating
• Mucus in stool 

A person meets the Rome III criteria for IBS if their symptoms began at least 6 months ago, they have had abdominal pain or discomfort for at least 3 days each month in the last 3 months, and at least two of the following statements are true:

• The pain is relieved by having a bowel movement.
• The pain is linked to a change in how often you have bowel movement.
• The pain is linked to a change in the appearance or consistency of your stool.

A person with IBS may have different patterns of bowel movements over time. Some of the following may occur:

• Bowel movements may occur either more often (diarrhea) or less often (constipation) than usual, such as having more than 3 bowel movements a day or less than 3 a week. 
• Bowel movements may differ in size or consistency (may be hard and small, pencil thin, or loose and watery).
• The way stools pass changes. You may strain, feel an urgent need to have a bowel movement, or feel that you haven't completely passed a stool. 
• You may have bloating or a feeling of gas in the intestines.

It  is important to see a doctor if you are having symptoms of IBS because they may be an indication of a more serious condition, such as an infection or colon cancer.

Stay tuned for causes and triggers!

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