Understanding IBS: Physical Symptoms, Causes & Management

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional medical problem with no known cure and no laboratory tests that can diagnosis it. IBS is typically defined by the combination of specific physical symptoms.

Abdominal Pain

• Abdominal pain caused by cramping, bloating or gas are common symptoms. Pain running down the left side of the large intestine is also related.

Abnormal Bowel Movements

• Sufferers of IBS either complain of diarrhea, constipation or a combination of both. Straining and feeling like your bowel movement isn't complete are also common.

Abnormal Frequency

• The frequency of your symptoms and bowel movements can indicate an IBS problem. Having three bowel movements a day is considered normal. If you have many more or many less, you could have IBS.

Stools

• Stools that contain excessive mucus are common for people with IBS. Mucus results from irritated intestinal lining from excessive cramping, gas and bloating.

Related Symptoms

• Other symptoms frequently related to IBS include headaches, nausea, fatigue and tiredness. Women may also experience left-sided abdominal pain during sexual intercourse.