Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

If you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the pattern of your symptoms will vary. Like many people that have this condition, you might only experience mild signs and symptoms of IBS. Sometimes these issues may be only mildly bothersome.  In a few instances, you might have severe symptoms and signs that will not respond well to medical treatments. Since the symptoms of IBS may occur with other diseases that are much more serious, you should discuss your symptoms with your doctor or physician.

Acute Symptoms of IBS

Doctors will generally use a list of symptoms, which is referred to as the Rome III criteria, to ensure that you have IBS and not some other disease. However, if you don’t have all of these symptoms you might still have IBS. You will qualify for the criteria of the Rome III if you have had symptoms for six months, or six months prior to the time you talk with your doctor. Some of the acute symptoms of IBS may include diarrhea, abnormal bowel movements, straining, and bloating, as well as sharp abdominal pain.

Mild Symptoms of IBS

Even if you are not suffering from a full-blown case of IBS, there might be times when you will experience mild symptoms. It might happen when you are feeling a little stressed, or maybe when you are feeling sick after eating something. Some of the mild symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome include frequent bathroom visits, mild pain in the abdominal area, constipation, as well as diarrhea. If you are feeling like you may have any of these symptoms, start paying more attention to the frequency and severity of your condition. If over this time, you become concerned about what is causing these symptoms, you should discuss the problem with a doctor. Treatments prescribed by your Los Angeles specialist can help place your symptoms in remission and allow you to get back to your life.

Severe Symptoms of IBS

It is important that you understand the severe symptoms of IBS for the reason that you may have overlooked some symptoms or are experiencing something more serious. Some of the most common symptoms of IBS that might indicate that you have reached the severe stage include mucus in the stool, frequent feelings of bloating and gas, abdominal cramping or severe pain, chronic constipation and diarrhea or an alteration between the two. If you ever see blood in the stool or even notice inflammation in the skin or lower left abdominal area, you may have another more serious condition. It is very important that you talk with your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms as they may be signs of something that is more troubling than IBS, such as irritable bowel disease or an infection.

Getting a Doctor Involved is Step #1

It is very important that if you feel like you may have IBS, or you are experiencing any of the symptoms described above that you talk with your doctor. Speak with a doctor before the condition gets any worse so that you can benefit from an early diagnosis and receive relief from your symptoms from medication or another treatment. If you have had persistent symptoms and have held off on talking with your doctor, then it is very important that you make an appointment and get checked out immediately before your condition worsens. Next time you experience the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call your local doctor in Los Angeles to talk about your symptoms. This could be the best choice that you make for yourself when it comes to your health.