Do you often find yourself battling unexpected digestive issues like abdominal pain, bloating, or irregular bowel movements? These could be symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common yet often misunderstood condition. Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms can significantly impact your daily life, making it essential to understand and address them effectively.
In this article, we’ll explore the key symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disease that affected the work of the large intestine, which is characterized by abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits. Diet, stress, lack of sleep, and the change of intestinal bacteria can trigger symptoms.
However, the triggers are different for everyone, so it is difficult to mention the specific foods or stress should be avoided by everyone. So, what are the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common?
The most common symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Pain and stomach cramps.
Abdominal pain is one of symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is the most common. Normally, the intestines and brain work together to control hormones, digestive, nervous, and signals issued by the good bacteria that live in your intestines.
However, IBS is not well received signal, causing the colon muscles tense and does not coordinate well. This pain usually occurs in the lower abdomen or throughout the abdomen, and rarely takes place only in the upper abdomen. This pain usually subside after you defecate.
- Pattern and Triggers: The pain can be triggered by eating, stress, or hormonal changes, particularly in women.
- Relief Methods: Over-the-counter pain relief, heating pads, and relaxation techniques can help manage the pain.
Diarrhea.
Diarrhea is a dominant symptom of IBS on about one-third of patients. A study showed that IBS patients experienced an average of 12 bowel movements per week. The process of digestion in the intestines become more quickly that often lead to the urge to defecate. In addition, the stool of IBS patients tends to be watery and may contain mucus.
Constipation.
In addition to causing diarrhea, IBS can also cause constipation. IBS that is dominated by constipation is more common, affecting almost 50 percent of people with IBS.
The signal is changed between the brain and the intestines can speed up or slow down the time of fecal formation. When this formative time slows down, the intestines absorb more water from the stool, so that the stool becomes more difficult to be removed.
Constipation and diarrhea (mixed).
Constipation, diarrhea, or both turns occur in about 20 percent of IBS patients. Diarrhea and constipation in IBS causing chronic abdominal pain that recurs. IBS symptoms with both of these tend to be more severe than others with symptoms that are more frequent and intense.
- Diarrhea: Characterized by frequent, loose stools, urgency, and often, a sense of incomplete evacuation.
- Constipation: Involves infrequent, hard stools that are difficult to pass, often causing strain.
- Balancing Act: Managing fiber intake, staying hydrated, and regular physical activity can help regulate bowel movements.
Changes in bowel movement.
The movement of stool that slowed down in the intestines are often dehydrated when the colon absorbs water. Thus making the stool becomes hard that can worsen the symptoms of constipation. While the fast movement of stool through the colon leave little time to absorb water, so that the stool becomes more fluid and cause diarrhea.
IBS can also cause mucus accumulates in the stool, which is usually not associated with other causes of constipation. In addition, the stool also may contain blood. This is a symptom of IBS are potentially more serious and need to be seen immediately by a doctor. Blood in the stool may appear red, but often look darker or black.
- Consistency and Frequency: You might notice more frequent bowel movements or a shift in the consistency of your stools.
- Tracking Symptoms: Keeping a symptom diary can help identify patterns and triggers, making it easier to manage IBS effectively.
Stomach carbonated and bloating.
Digestive changes at IBS causing more gas production in the intestine and cause flatulence. In a study of 337 IBS patients, 83 percent reported experiencing flatulence and cramps. Both of these symptoms are more common in women and on IBS constipation dominant or mixed type of IBS.
- Dietary Impact: Certain foods and beverages, such as carbonated drinks, beans, and some vegetables, can exacerbate bloating.
- Management Tips: Avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, and incorporating probiotics into your diet can help reduce bloating.
Food intolerance.
This food intolerance is not allergic. Some people with IBS report that certain foods may trigger IBS symptoms. However, the cause of why certain foods can trigger IBS is not yet clear. IBS trigger foods are also different for each person. However, the most frequent among other FODMAP, lactose, and gluten.
Fatigue and sleeplessness.
A study reported that 160 older people diagnosed with IBS have low stamina, so feel tired quickly. IBS patients so further limit physical activity at work and social interaction. IBS is also associated with insomnia, include trouble sleeping, often waking up, and feel uncomfortable in the morning when waking up.
In a study of 112 older people with IBS, 13 percent reported sleep quality was bad. Other research against the 50 men and women found that people with IBS to bed about an hour longer, but feel less fresh in the morning than those who do not have IBS. In addition, both symptoms of IBS can also indicate gastrointestinal symptoms worse.
Read also:
How To Cure Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Anxiety and depression.
IBS symptoms are anxiety and depression. It is not clear whether these symptoms are the expression of mental stress or stress of living with IBS that makes people more vulnerable to psychological disorders.
A study conducted on 94,000 men and women, people with IBS are more than 50 percent are experiencing an anxiety disorder and more than 70 percent more likely to experience mood disorders, such as depression.
Other studies comparing the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in patients with and without IBS. As a result, people with IBS are experiencing changes of cortisol is higher, which means the shows higher levels of stress.
Mucus in Stool
Some individuals with IBS notice mucus in their stool. While not harmful, it can be alarming and is a sign that should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
- Cause and Context: Mucus in the stool is associated with the body’s reaction to irritation in the intestines.
- When to Seek Help: If mucus is accompanied by blood or significant pain, it’s important to seek medical advice.
It’s crucial to note that these symptoms can overlap with other digestive conditions. If you’re experiencing persistent or severe symptoms, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Experiencing unusual changes in your stool, such as the presence of mucus, can be concerning. It’s important to differentiate between mucus and more serious symptoms like blood clots in the stool. For more information on what blood clots in stool could indicate and when to seek medical attention, visit our detailed guide: Blood Clots In Stool: 7 Causes and How to Treat It.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While IBS is generally not a serious condition, there are instances when it’s important to consult a doctor:
- Severe or worsening symptoms: If your IBS symptoms are significantly impacting your daily life or worsening over time, it’s essential to seek medical advice.
- Blood in your stool: Any blood in your stool should be reported to a healthcare professional immediately.
- Unexplained weight loss: Significant weight loss without trying to lose weight is a red flag and requires medical evaluation.
- Persistent vomiting: If you’re experiencing persistent vomiting along with your IBS symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention.
By understanding the common symptoms of IBS and when to seek medical help, you can take steps to manage your condition and improve your overall well-being.
Thank you very much for reading Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, hopefully useful.
