Symptoms
Most people with IBS find their symptoms an occasional nuisance, but don't need to see a doctor. However, for some people the condition seriously affects their quality of life. Most people with IBS continue to get symptoms from time to time. The symptoms include the following.
Pain
The most common symptom of IBS is pain or discomfort in the abdomen. The pain may be mild to severe, and may be made either better or worse by opening the bowels, passing wind or eating.
Pain may occur at a particular time of day, often in the evening. Women may find the ups and downs of pain relates to their menstrual cycle.
Change in bowel habits
With IBS, your faeces may vary in consistency from hard and pellet-like to loose and watery. Alternatively, you may just pass small amounts of mucus. You may find that your bowel habit alternates between constipation and diarrhoea. Afterwards, you may feel that your bowels haven't been completely emptied.
IBS usually causes one symptom more than the others - either pain, constipation or chronic diarrhoea.
Other symptoms
These include a bloated abdomen, passing excess wind, feeling sick and indigestion. Some people also experience a sense of fullness.
These symptoms may be caused by problems other than IBS. You should visit your GP for advice.
