IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS) - SYMPTOMS

The symptoms and severity of IBS can vary from person to person, generally being more common in women. In women, their symptoms of IBS may be made worse around the time of menstruation. Classic IBS symptoms are abdominal pain, associated with constipation, diarrhoea or a combination of both.

In general, IBS symptoms may be classified as being “gut-related” and “non-gut-related”.

“Gut-Related” Symptoms

• Abdominal Pain:
The pain of IBS may range from being a dull ache or discomfort, to severe crampy pains. The pain may be relieved after bowel movements.

• Changes in Bowel Function:
IBS is classified according to whether it is (i) Constipation-predominant (IBS-C), (ii) Diarrhoea-predominant (IBS-D) or (iii) Mixed (IBS-A).

• Bloatedness, “wind” or churning in the abdomen

• A feeling of “urgency”, that you may not make it to the toilet in time.

• A feeling of “incomplete evacuation”, like there is always still something left behind after bowel movements.

• Mucous in the stools

“Non-Gut-Related” Symptoms

• Backache

• Fatigue

• Discomfort during sexual intercourse

• Headaches

ASSOCIATED CONDITIONS

IBS is also associated with a higher incidence of depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

"RED FLAG" FEATURES

There are certain symptoms or signs which suggest more serious conditions.  The presence of any of these features would make the diagnosis of IBS unlikely, thus warranting further investigation. 


These so called "red flag" features include:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Fever
• Blood in stools (visible or occult)
• Pain that interferes with sleep
• Diarrhoea that interferes with sleep
• Abnormal physical examination

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