The Irritable Bowel Syndrome – Symptoms to Look Out For

The irritable bowel syndrome is actually a common condition which involves the gut. The tricky part of this condition is that everything appears to be normal and there is absolutely nothing wrong with the structure of the intestinal tract, but with its ability to function properly.

Doctors have not been able to find out what exactly seems to trigger the appearance of this condition, but what they did manage to discover were the symptoms it brings along. Also, it is known that it can strike anyone, at any age and it seems to be more common in the case of women than in the case of men.

It is suspected that it might appear due to some parts of the digestive tract which are more active than others and those are the parts that cause pain, diarrhea or constipation.

What might cause the intense activity of these parts?

• Emotional stress – A recent event in people’s lives that might have caused a great deal of stress. If there is more anxiety and depression, the symptoms could get even worse.
• Food intolerance – Even though many people blame the appearance of the IBS on the intolerance to certain foods, the experts say that there are few of the cases when this is an actual cause.
• Bacterial infections – The symptoms of IBS might show up after the individual gets diarrhea or gastroenteritis, a bacterial infection at the level of the stomach.
• Excessive pain and sensitivity – As the gut expands, people who suffer from IBS tend to be more sensitive to the sensations they are going through.

The symptoms of the IBS

• Bloated abdomen – The patients with IBS tend to be more exposed to the formation of gases, the main cause of their bloated abdomens.
• Abdominal pain – The pain is usually described more as a spasm. It varies when it comes to its intensity and it also might come and go. It can be experienced in different parts of the belly area.
• The bowel suffers some changes – Constipation or diarrhea are the main symptoms of the patients who suffer from IBS. Sometimes it’s one or the other. Other times, they might alternate. There might also be some mucus involved and some people might feel the need to go to the toilet very frequently and as fast as possible.
• Tiredness and fatigue
• Heartburn
• Backache and headaches
• Loss of appetite
• Muscles pain
• Belching

Can it be tested?

The bad news is that there is no testing available for a patient to determine if he/she is suffering from IBS or not. The doctor is the only who can tell, based on the symptoms and the signs the patient presents.

Usually, a blood sample is taken, but only to take out other conditions that might have the same symptoms, such as: celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, digestive tract infection or ovarian cancer. Sometimes, even a gastroscopy is required, depending on the gravity of the situation.