Some of the common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are mentioned below:
1. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a characteristic symptom of the diarrhea predominant type of irritable bowel syndrome. The person often complains of diarrhea, which is aggravated in periods of emotional stress causing anxiety and nervousness. A bout of depression can also lead to an attack of diarrhea. It seems that people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome have sensitive bowels that are easily go into a state of disorder and produce the bowel symptoms. The diarrhea can also be aggravated by other factors such as eating spicy food, eating food with excessive salt and sugar or food additives and irregular eating habits. Any simple change in the diet can also lead to the aggravation of the bowel symptoms.
2. Constipation
Constipation is one of the important symptoms of the constipation predominant type of irritable bowel syndrome. The bowels may go into a state of laxity and the person complains of constipation. This condition is often related to physical and emotional stress or work related anxieties. The doctors usually advise the people suffering from constipation to eat a diet full of fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber. A high fiber diet is recommended for constipation. But, in other cases, there are certain high fiber foods such as wheat and grains, which may contain gluten. Many people suffering from this bowel condition often report intolerance to gluten. The intake of gluten only worsens the existing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. So it is important to avoid gluten rich foods, while maintaining a high fiber diet.
3. Diarrhea alternating with constipation
Many people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome complain of alternating bowel habits. Periods of constipation alternate with attacks of diarrhea. This is another important symptom of irritable bowel syndrome.
4. Bloating of abdomen
The irregular bowel habits such as constipation and diarrhea may also lead to other symptoms such as frequent bloating of the abdomen. The bloating of abdomen is not relieved by antacids or in other cases the antacids can only provide a temporary relief.
5. Chronic abdominal pain
People suffering from irritable bowel syndrome may complain of a chronic abdominal pain. This pain is usually associated with the bloating of the abdomen. The pain is a generalized pain and is present all over the abdomen.
6. Intolerance to lactose
Intolerance to lactose, in simple terms, means an inability of the body to digest the sugars present in the milk and the dairy products. Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome may be associated with intolerance to lactose.
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