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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffThe signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can vary widely from person to person and often resemble those of other diseases. Among the most common are:
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- A bloated feeling
- Gas (flatulence)
- Diarrhea or constipation — sometimes alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea
- Mucus in the stool
Like many people, you may have only mild signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. However, sometimes these problems can be disabling. In some cases, you may have severe signs and symptoms that don't respond well to medical treatment. Because symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can occur with other diseases, it's best to discuss these symptoms with your doctor.
For most people, IBS is a chronic condition, although there will likely be times when the signs and symptoms are worse and times when they improve or even disappear completely.
When to see a doctor
Although as many as 1 in 5 American adults has signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, fewer than half seek medical help. Yet it's important to see your doctor if you have a persistent change in bowel habits or if you have any other signs or symptoms of IBS because these may indicate a more serious condition, such as colon cancer.
Your doctor may be able to help you find ways to relieve symptoms as well as rule out other more-serious colon conditions, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, which are forms of inflammatory bowel disease, and colon cancer. Your doctor can also help you avoid possible complications from problems such as chronic diarrhea.
- Irritable bowel syndrome. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/ibs/. Accessed June 2, 2009.
- Talley NJ. Irritable bowel syndrome. In: Feldman M, et al. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/141404551-3/848454280/1389/868.html#4-u1.0-B1-4160-0245-6..50120-7_5467. Accessed June 2, 2009.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec02/ch021666/ch021666a.html. Accessed June 2, 2009.
- Wald A. Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 2, 2009.
- Kligler B, et al. Probiotics. American Family Physician. 2008;78:1073.
- Chun AB, et al. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 2, 2009.
- Saito YA. Genes and irritable bowel syndrome: Is there a link? Current Gastroenterology Reports. 2008;10:355.
- Picco MF (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 6, 2009.
