Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS symptoms affect the intestines. The symptoms may come and go.

Normal Anatomy of the Intestines

Symptoms of IBS range in intensity from mild to severe and include the following:

Abdominal cramps
Gas
Bloating
Pain that resolves with a bowel movement
Diarrhea
Constipation
Alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation
Loose stools
Urge to move bowels but no stool is passed
Urge to move bowels after having a bowel movement
Mucus in the stool

If you see blood in the stool, consult your doctor immediately.

References

American Gastroenterological Association website. Available at: http://www.gastro.org. Accessed March 6, 2006.

Fauci AS, Braunwald E, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 14th ed. New York, NY: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2000.

Revision Information

Reviewer: Daus Mahnke, MD
Review Date: 10/2012
Update Date: 10/11/2012

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.