Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is a disorder arising in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Doctors are still trying to identify its exact reason, but they reckon that it is related to a defect in the nerves connecting the digestive tract and the brain. Its symptoms often occur after eating certain specific foods or beverages and they might go on for a few days before the stomach feels stable. This inconvenient condition causing such discomfort has no cure but it is not life-threatening.
Sudden and Severe Form of Diarrhea
Diarrhea is one of the most symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Despite this, 50 percent of all reported cases don’t include diarrhea as a symptom. During the diarrhea attacks, the urge to clear the bowels is very strong and unpredictable. In addition to this discomfort, this symptom is also awkward. Further, diarrhea robs the body of essential nutrients and fluids, which need to be supplied again after an attack.
Constipation: Another Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptom
As diarrhea and constipation are opposite in nature, it is tough to believe that this particular syndrome can result in both. At times, people having irritable bowel syndrome suffer diarrhea and later experience constipation. These people can also have a hard time while trying to empty their bowels in one attempt, and feces might be hard and dry.
Stomach Pains
Not all people having irritable bowel syndrome deal with stomach pains or cramps, but a large number of people experience these symptoms. The severity of the pain varies from person to person and it may come and go; it can be sharp or result in a dull ache in parts of the abdomen. Stress and some types of food can trigger these symptoms. If this symptom worsens, leads to weight loss, or disrupts sleep, the person should consult a doctor.
Bloated Stomach
A bloated stomach is linked to various health conditions and it is also a common symptom of irritable bowel syndrome. The specific reason for bloating is not known but it can be related to the excess production of gas in people with IBS. The effects can change throughout the day and are sometimes worse after taking the meals and during the evening time.
Backache
Backache is a less common symptom of irritable bowel syndrome and so, it is not a clear sign of this problem in people who have not yet received the diagnosis. People may think that they have injured or strained their back. Back pain is not so likely to be associated with IBS, but if it arrives with other IBS troubles too, it can be another symptom.
Incontinence
In rare cases, IBS might cause incontinence of urine or bowel functions. Urine incontinence may arrive from the extra stress and fullness that’s concentrated on the bladder. Bowel incontinence can come from diarrhea that attacks frequently. As this is a less common symptom of IBS, people having this trouble should consult a doctor. Many other health conditions can lead to incontinence as well.
Unpleasant Body Odor
The discharge of foul-smelling gases from the body is an upsetting IBS symptom that is tougher to manage and hide as compared to others. These symptoms are embarrassing for people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, making them feel uncomfortable in public places during a flare-up. In certain cases, dietary modifications can ease this symptom. Maintaining a food diary can help pinpoint foods that trigger flatulence and more IBS symptoms. Once they are identified, avoiding them becomes easy.
The Noise of Indigestion
Burping and belching are often associated with difficulties while digesting food and drinks, or excessive gas. These actions are commonly noticed in people having IBS and might be due to trapped air or gas passing through the digestive tract. Burps and belches can be awkward, but some medicines can help alleviate the symptoms.
Fatigue
A variety of physical and emotional problems can result in lethargy, leading to a lack of energy at home or at work and a loss of excitement for projects and activities that once brought happiness. The fact that IBS is the reason for such a feeling of fatigue is surprising for many people, but continuous tiredness can point towards this condition if other symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome also exist.
A General Ill Feeling
There are many possible reasons for a person feeling sick. There is barely any evidence to suspect that irritable bowel syndrome is the reason when no other symptoms of this syndrome or disorder are present. However, general feelings of illness similar to the flu, including nausea, might be caused by IBS.
