The term "irritable bowel syndrome," or IBS, describes a group of symptoms that occur together. The IBS symptoms include pain or discomfort in the belly (abdomen) and changes in the way the bowels move, either constipation or diarrhea. Some people have both constipation AND diarrhea, just at different times. "Discomfort" means feeling an uncomfortable sensation that's not the one you describe as pain.

IBS signs and symptoms

The typical IBS symptoms are:

• pain or discomfort in the belly (abdomen),
• that happens several days or more per month, and
• is related to changes in the way the bowel moves

What is meant by "related to changes in the way the bowel moves"? It's all related to pain or discomfort:

• feeling better (less pain or discomfort) after having a bowel movement, and/or
• the pain or discomfort begins when bowel movements change to diarrhea or more frequent or looser stools, or constipation or less frequent or harder stools

Other common symptoms

The typical signs and symptoms listed above are distinguishing features of IBS. They are used in identifying, or making the diagnosis of IBS.

But, other symptoms are also often felt by persons with IBS. One of more of these may occur in addition to the features of IBS - digestive symptoms such as:

• Bloating
• Heartburn
• Early feeling of fullness
• Nausea
• Upper belly discomfort or pain that comes and goes (dyspepsia)
• Feelings of urgency (the need to find a restroom fast)
• Passage of mucus in the stool
• Feeling of "incomplete" bowel emptying

And symptoms that don't seem related to the digestive tract seem common such as

• Fatigue
• Muscle pain
• Sleep disturbances
• Sexual dysfunction
• Low back pain
• Headache

Other symptoms may overlap with IBS, or may be a sign of an overlapping or co-existing condition.

Remember, the central feature of IBS is abdominal pain or discomfort related to changes in the way the bowel moves. If you think you have IBS, but have not yet talked to a doctor, make an appointment to get an accurate diagnosis. Don't self-diagnose.