Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Symptoms

Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome vary widely. Among the most common are:

• Abdominal pain or cramping, often after meals
• A bloated feeling or visible abdominal distortion
• Gas (flatulence)
• Diarrhea or constipation — or alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea
• Mucus in the stool

Patients with IBS react strongly to stimuli (triggers) that don't bother most people. These triggers may include:

• Gas or pressure on the intestines
• Certain foods such as chocolate, milk or alcohol
• Stress (it is important to note that stress can aggravate IBS, but doesn't cause it)
• Illnesses such as acute infectious diarrhea or the use of antibiotics
• Laxatives or some antidiarrheal medications