Irritable Bowel Syndrome: What Is It and Do You Have It!!!!!!

Abdominal pain, bloating, and discomfort are the main symptoms of IBS. However, symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people have constipation, which means hard, difficult-to-pass, or infrequent bowel movements. Often these people report straining and cramping when trying to have a bowel movement but cannot eliminate any stool, or they are able to eliminate only a small amount. If they are able to have a bowel movement, there may be mucus in it, which is a fluid that moistens and protect passages in the digestive system. Some people with IBS experience diarrhea, which is frequent, loose, watery, stools. People with diarrhea frequently feel an urgent and uncontrollable need to have a bowel movement. Other people with IBS alternate between constipation and diarrhea. Sometimes people find that their symptoms subside for a few months and then return, while others report a constant worsening of symptoms over time.Researchers have yet to discover any specific cause for IBS. One theory is that people who suffer from IBS have a colon (large bowel) that is particularly sensitive and reactive to certain foods and stress.

My sister has IBS. She has had it for along time. Her doctor diginosed her with it. She pretty much nows all the foods that she can not eat and stays away from them. And because of this it is not a big factor in her life anymore.

Irritable bowel syndrome. You described it perfectly. I suffer from it. At the moment, there is no cure, not that I am aware of. The doctor should check you, just to make sure it isn't something else. But, what you described is IBS. Don't forget your ratings dear. + - ! Like I explained in your other post. Also, if you are happy with the explaination, rate a "best response." I hope you feel better quickly. Blessings, M&M

I think I have this but have never been diagonised with it . I have never been able to go to the bathroom properly . I am either constapated or have the runs and I always have a lot of pain with it . My son was also born with a rare bowel disorder that they were never able to give a term to except that it was a very rare bowel disorder and I believe he got this from me although I have never suffered to the extent he did when he was younger . He is much better now but will always have to watch what he eats .