Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome – Helpful Advice
The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can be troublesome and persistent. They vary greatly from one person to another, but they usually include a feeling of bloating and fullness, cramping discomfort, and disruption or change in bowel habit. These symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can range from infrequent or difficult passage of stool (constipation) to loose of frequent motions and urgent need to defecate (diarrhea), or can be both.
Increased bowel movement sensitivity is the usual reason why the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome occur. This often causes spasm of the bowel muscles. A disruption or disturbance in the bowel functions is called the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or in some cases, the functional bowel disorder.
The prevalence of the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome is usually high in developed countries. More than half of gastroenterology patients are getting treatment for irritable bowel syndrome. Approximately one-third of the people in the US complain about occasional symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and 1 in 10 of these people seeks medical attention due to severe symptoms. Women are said to be more affected by severe IBS symptoms, but the symptoms generally occur in both men and women. The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can be noticeable when the person is anywhere from 15 to 40, but anyone at any age may be diagnosed with this condition.
Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome – What are they?
The irritable bowel syndrome symptoms may be different from person to person as well as from the time they manifest; however, patients may experience common symptoms, including:
. Colicky abdominal pain that is felt on the lower left part of the abdomen. Many patients suffer more when they have difficulty passing a stool and the only thing that could provide them relief is to pass flatus or to open the bowels. For women, this symptom may often be related to their menstrual cycle.
. Feeling of being full or bloated, making even perfectly fitted clothes feel tight and uncomfortable.
. Tender abdomen
. Nausea
. Alterations in bowel habit, such as constipation, diarrhea or alternation of both.
. Feeling of incomplete defecation
. The need to strain when defecating but straining is useless
. Burning sensation at the back passage, particularly at lower part
. Incontinence
. Alteration in the appearance of bowel movements
. Mucus in the stool
. Inability or difficulty to pass stool
. The need to always defecate
Because most of the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are associated with bowel movements, they can be distressing or embarrassing. However, there are some things that can be done to prevent these symptoms from occurring. Lifestyle changes such as healthy diet and getting adequate sleep and stress reduction are some of these. It is not good to keep in silence since it can only make the symptoms worse. Thus, it is a better idea to consult your doctor or physician about this. Don’t worry, there’s nothing to be ashamed of because this condition happens to a lot of people!
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