Irritable bowel syndrome has affected more than 55 million Americans. IBS is a common disorder affecting the colon or large intestine. The main issue with this syndrome is constipation and many people have abdominal pain and bloated feeling. Exact cause of IBS is not known and the major symptoms are flatulence and constipation. Though this disorder provides uncomfortable symptoms and pain in the abdomen, still it cause no permanent damage to the intestine. It is possible to control IBS by making little changes in your diet and reducing stress.
Symptoms Of Irritable Bowel Syndrome :
A panel of experts have drawn list of symptoms based on common signs of people having irritable bowel syndrome. These symptoms are described as Rome III criteria so that one can differentiate these symptoms from common intestinal problems. The symptoms provided below are common and it is not necessary that one person will have all the symptoms given below.
The basic criteria for IBS are you should have at least 3 times pain in your abdomen in a month for three months continuously. Three statements given below should match your case, in case you have IBS.
- After passing stool the abdominal pain is absent
- The abdominal pain have direct relation with any changes in the number of times you pass bowel movement in a day
- The abdominal pain is directly linked with the consistency and appearance of your stool
If you have at least 2 out of 3 given statements then it indicates that you have irritable bowel syndrome.
Common Signs of Irritable Bowel Syndrome are as follows:-
- Bloated feeling
- Moderate to severe abdominal pain which disappears after passing stool
- Constipation is often present; sometimes you may have diarrhea
- Heartburn, gas or flatulence
- You may have mucus in your stool
Difference in Bowel Movement :