Irritable bowel syndrome is a common condition affecting anywhere from 6-18 percent of people worldwide. The exact cause of IBS is still unknown, but the syndrome has many well-documented symptoms that doctors can use to reach a diagnosis. Think you might have IBS? Check out the symptoms below and consider whether yours line up.
What Are the Signs of IBS?
No two people experience IBS the same way, and each person can display a unique mix of symptoms. If you experience any of the following signs, log their frequency, duration, and severity:
- Pain and cramping
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Gas and bloating
- Changes in your bowel movements
- Feeling as if you haven’t completed a bowel movement
- White mucus in your stool
- Worsening symptoms during menstrual periods