Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms

Irritable bowel syndrome is often diagnosed and managed by a gastroenterologist, or a physician specializing in diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) system.

Irritable bowel syndrome, more commonly known as IBS, is a disorder of the GI system in which the bowel is not working properly. IBS can cause extreme cramping, diarrhea, constipation, gas and bloating.

Some patients report alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation. Additional symptoms may include the sensation that you have not completed a bowel movement and the appearance of mucus in the stool.

Diarrhea associated with IBS is known to be uncontrollable, often to such an extreme that the patient is unable to make it to the bathroom before losing control of their bowels. Medical tests might be ordered by your physician to rule out other GI abnormalities and to confirm a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome.

Many foods can trigger irritable bowel syndrome symptoms such as alcohol, caffeine, fatty foods, milk products, chocolate and carbonated drinks.

It is recommended to eat smaller meals to help avoid irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. It is thought that smaller meals can help to decrease IBS because larger meals can cause the body to try and release the excess food quickly and will often cause the IBS symptoms to begin immediately after the meal.

Often the bowel will overreact to food, exercise, hormones, physical and emotional stress. Women can also experience more symptoms during their monthly menstrual periods.