Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Slideshow Pictures Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow Pictures Diverticulitis (Diverticulosis) Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

John P. Cunha, DO, is a U.S. board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. Dr. Cunha's educational background includes a BS in Biology from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and a DO from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, MO. He completed residency training in Emergency Medicine at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey.

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Medical Editor:

Bhupinder Anand, MD

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms

Irritable bowel syndrome affects each person differently. The hallmark of IBS is abdominal discomfort or pain. The following symptoms are also common:

• Abdominal cramping and pain that are relieved with bowel movements
  
  
• Alternating periods of diarrhea and constipation
  
  
• Change in the stool frequency or consistency
  
  
• Gassiness (flatulence)
  
  
• Passing mucus from the rectum
  
  
• Bloating
  
  
• Abdominal distension

The following are NOT symptoms or characteristics of IBS (but should still be brought to the attention of a physician since they may be signs and symptoms of other conditions):

• Blood in stools or urine
  
  
• Black or tarry stools
  
  
• Vomiting (rare, though may occasionally accompany nausea)
  
  
• Pain or diarrhea that interrupts sleep
  
  
• Fever
  
  
• Weight loss