In our most recent blog, readers learned about signs and symptoms of IBS to look out for. Irritable bowel syndrome can be discussed when you visit our Orlando gastroenterologist location. Make an appointment with our experienced gastroenterologists to be relieved of IBS symptoms.
In review:
Irritable bowel syndrome can affect just about anyone. Signs and symptoms can vary greatly from patient to patient, so discuss your specific issues with our experienced doctors. Most likely, they have come across the same issues while practicing medicine.
More common signs and symptoms of IBS include the following:
- abdominal pain
- constipation
- diarrhea
- gas
- bloating
- changed in bowel habits
Serious signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome:
Some patients experience very intense symptoms of IBS such as the following:
- weight loss
- rectal bleeding
- diarrhea at night
- unexplained vomiting
- difficulty swallowing
- iron deficiency anemia
Both diarrhea and constipation can be incredibly difficult to carry out normal daily life duties and hobbies. Constipation occurs when the stools are hard, dry, and difficult to pass. When a person experiences constipation, a bowel movement only happens about three times a week or less.
This sort of IBS is usually called IBS-C which stands for constipation-predominant IBS. Some people with IBS experience alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation.
When a person experiences these two extremes, they may be experienced over the course of weeks or months. This sort of IBS is diagnosed as alternating-type IBS. Alternatively it may be called IBS-A.
Common Symptoms of IBS:
In addition to problems with abdominal pain and bowel movements, irritable bowel syndrome may also include indigestion as well as multiple sensations involving the bowels. Other primary symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome include the following:
- mucus on the stool
- indigestion
- excessive belching
- feeling a lump in the throat
- heartburn
- acid reflux
- excessive gassiness and flatulence
- feeling that you have not completely emptied after passing a bowel movement
- decrease in appetite
- nausea
- bloating
Extra-intestinal symptoms:
Many patients with irritable bowel syndrome report symptoms that are not directly related to the bowel. Some people may experience these in other parts of the digestive system or elsewhere in the body entirely.
Because these symptoms may not be obviously related to the gut, it may be puzzling as to why you are experiencing chronic symptoms. These symptoms may be just as impactful as the previously mentioned, common IBS signs and symptoms.
The most common symptoms elsewhere in the body are nausea, heartburn, and reflux. Non-GI symptoms that are completely separate from the GI tract can be harder to diagnose in terms of IBS. According to research at University of North Carolina, the most common non-gastrointestinal symptoms reported associated with IBS are as follows:
headache- back pain
- frequent urination
- fatigue
- bad breath
- bad taste in the mouth
- difficulty sleeping
- muscle aches
- dizziness
- heart palpitations
- pain during menstruation or intercourse
- cold hands
- trembling hand
It is difficult to find a reason as to why patients experience extra-intestinal symptoms. There may be underlying biological causes. Researchers are searching for a common denominator or a unifying biological factor.
So far, researchers share several symptoms may be dysregulated or dysfunctional such as the following:
- nervous system
- body’s innate pain regulation symptoms
- immune system
Come back next time as readers learn more about IBS. Understanding that many other people are experiencing the same exact issues can prove comforting. If you know others share the same problems and concerns, you will have hope to seek relief from experienced gastroenterologists at Gastroenterology Consultants of Central Florida.
Staff Writer