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You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Your in-depth digestive health guide will be in your inbox shortly. You will also receive emails from Mayo Clinic on the latest health news, research, and care. The precise cause of IBS isn't known. Factors that appear to play a role include:. Many people have occasional signs and symptoms of IBS. But you're more likely to have the syndrome if you:.
Irritable bowel syndrome care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. This condition involves changes in frequency or form of bowel movements and lower abdominal pain 1. However, triggers are different for each person, making it difficult to name specific foods or stressors that everyone with the disorder should avoid 2.
This article will discuss the most common symptoms of IBS and what to do if you suspect you have it. Normally, your gut and brain work together to control digestion. This happens via hormones, nerves and signals released by the good bacteria that live in your gut.
In IBS, these cooperative signals become distorted, leading to uncoordinated and painful tension in the muscles of the digestive tract 3. This pain usually occurs in the lower abdomen or the entire abdomen but is less likely to be in the upper abdomen alone. Pain typically decreases following a bowel movement 4. Other treatments include bowel relaxants like peppermint oil, cognitive behavior therapy and hypnotherapy 6. The most common symptom of IBS is lower abdominal pain that is less severe after a bowel movement.
Dietary modifications, stress-reducing therapies and certain medications can help reduce pain. Diarrhea-predominant IBS is one of the three main types of the disorder. It affects roughly one-third of patients with IBS 7. A study of adults found that those with diarrhea-predominant IBS had, on average, 12 bowel movements weekly — more than twice the amount of adults without IBS 8.
Accelerated bowel transit in IBS can also result in a sudden, immediate urge to have a bowel movement. Some patients describe this as a significant source of stress, even avoiding some social situations for fear of a sudden onset of diarrhea 9. Additionally, stool in the diarrhea-predominant type tends to be loose and watery and may contain mucus Frequent, loose stools are common in IBS, and are a symptom of the diarrhea-predominant type.
Stools may also contain mucus. Although it seems counterintuitive, IBS can cause constipation as well as diarrhea. Altered communication between the brain and bowel may speed up or slow down the normal transit time of stool. When transit time slows, the bowel absorbs more water from stool, and it becomes more difficult to pass Constipation is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week It is not related to IBS and is very common.
Functional constipation differs from IBS in that it is generally not painful. Constipation in IBS also often causes a sensation of an incomplete bowel movement.
This leads to unnecessary straining Along with the usual treatments for IBS, exercise, drinking more water, eating soluble fiber, taking probiotics and the limited use of laxatives may help. Constipation is very common. However, abdominal pain that improves after a bowel movement and a sensation of incomplete bowel movements after passing stool are signs of IBS.
Diarrhea and constipation in IBS involve chronic, recurring abdominal pain. Pain is the most important clue that changes in bowel movements are not related to diet or common, mild infections 4.
This type of IBS tends to be more severe than the others with more frequent and intense symptoms The symptoms of mixed IBS also vary more from one person to another. Throughout each phase, they continue to experience pain relieved by bowel movements. Slow-moving stool in the intestine often becomes dehydrated as the intestine absorbs water.
Although there's no test for IBS, a doctor may send a patient for tests to make sure the symptoms aren't being caused by other problems. Your doctor will have suggestions on what might work for you.
You also can keep a food diary so you can see if some foods and events seem to trigger your IBS symptoms. Record what you eat, what symptoms you have, and when they happen. If you're living with IBS, you may worry about anything that could trigger symptoms. Learning more about IBS and what triggers your symptoms is the first step to taking action. Then, do what you need to take care of yourself. Reviewed by: J. Fernando del Rosario, MD. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size.
What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome? The main sign of IBS is belly pain or discomfort. Other signs include: a change in bowel habits pooping bloating belching burping flatulence farting heartburn nausea feeling sick feeling full quickly when eating But having gas or a stomachache once in a while doesn't mean someone has IBS. Doctors consider it IBS when symptoms last for at least 3 months and include at least two of these signs: pain or discomfort that feels better after a bowel movement pain or discomfort together with changes in how often a person has to go to the bathroom pain or discomfort along with changes in their stool poop.
Some people get constipated, and their poop is hard and difficult to pass. Others have diarrhea. What Happens in IBS? What Causes Irritable Bowel Syndrome? The specific cause of IBS isn't known, but it tends to run in families. There's no cure for IBS. But there are ways to take control of IBS symptoms. Doctors often recommend: Diet changes.
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