The Importance Of Knowing The Symptoms Of IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic condition that can affect men and women at any age. The usual age range at which the condition starts to manifest itself is between twenty to forty years of age. Regardless of the age at which the onset of irritable bowel symptoms would happen, one thing remains consistent: it is so difficult to come up with a very accurate diagnosis for the condition. This is particularly true because the symptoms can differ from one patient to another. It is because of this that it would be very helpful to bring to mind the general symptoms that occur when one is afflicted with irritable bowel syndrome.

The symptoms of IBS can vary from mild to severe. But one good thing about the condition is that it does not really advance to intestinal disorders of a more serious condition. But the more prominent symptoms of IBS are actually constipation and diarrhea. There are even times when an alternation between these two symptoms occurs. With both conditions, an abnormal frequency of bowel movement also happens. With constipation, your stool actually becomes hard and lumpy, making it very hard for your system to excrete it out. You may then have difficulty maintaining that daily habit of defecating.

On the other hand, diarrhea involves your fecal matter becoming all loose and watery. You experience strong urges to defecate so suddenly, that you just might have to defecate three or more times in just one day. With diarrhea, you will surely feel a need to go back to the washroom just minutes after defecating. You have to be very wary about these succeeding times because these will only bring pain.

But what about the times when you would alternately experience constipation and diarrhea? You can just imagine how much of a hassle this can be! Imagine the dietary changes that would be required of you, just to deal with both of these symptoms! It is precisely because of this nature of irritable bowel symptoms that it is necessary to keep track of all food items you consume as religiously as possible. Keeping a food journal is definitely in order when you are afflicted with IBS. But you have to be very religious about keeping track of the food you consume. This way, you can eliminate the food items that can trigger symptoms of IBS from your diet. In time, you will be able to devise the perfect diet plan for yourself. But always enlist the medical expertise of your physician regarding such a diet.