Recognizing Symptoms

Abdominal pain and/or discomfort is the key symptom of IBS and is often relieved with the passing of a bowel movement (defecation). There are many causes for abdominal pain, but in IBS, the pain or discomfort is associated with a change in bowel habits.

Everyone suffers from an occasional bowel disturbance. However, for those with IBS the symptoms are more severe, or occur more often – either continuously or off and on.

Some or all of IBS symptoms can occur at the same time – some symptoms may be more pronounced than others. Symptoms can vary and sometimes seem contradictory, such as alternating diarrhea and constipation.

In women, gut function appears to be influenced by changes in the level of female hormones. Symptoms can become worse at certain times of the menstrual cycle, particularly at the time of menses. Both healthy women and women with IBS report a higher prevalence of GI symptoms, such as pain and bloating, just prior and at the time of menses. But it is reported as more intense in women with IBS.

The typical features of IBS are generally recognizable by a physician. Ordinarily the physician will examine the abdomen of a patient with IBS and it will be normal or have only tenderness. The most important first step is to confidently recognize the diagnosis of IBS and remove the suspicion of other diseases.

IBS affects men and women of all ages. It also occurs in children.