IBS Symptoms are Real
IBS symptoms are not something that people openly discuss. It is embarrassing enough to have to talk about it with your doctor, so people certainly are not inclined to open up their feelings about their abdominal pain, gas, and bloating.
You may have had symptoms for quite some time, years even, but it has not been severe enough to have that embarrassing discussion with your doctor. You may be concerned that the symptoms are a sign of something more serious, like cancer.
Your symptoms may gradually be getting worse. My symptoms became so severe that some nights, I would go to bed early with a heating pad pressed against my abdomen. There were times when I wanted to check myself into a hospital and refuse to leave until they found a solution to my problem.
While the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome can vary from person to person, most would agree that the following are the most common:
abdominal pain
cramping
bloating
constipation and/or diarrhea
nausea IBS symptoms may fluctuate over time. The disorder may disappear for a time, but then return again later. Doctors are not sure why this happens or what triggers new flare ups. The symptoms can start slowly and be mild, only to turn into symptoms which can no longer be ignored.
Other symptoms which can be related to IBS:
fatigue and exhaustion
headache
change in the frequency of bowel movements
change in the appearance of bowel movements
feeling of having an incomplete bowel movement
mucus in the stool
an urgency to have a bowel movement
Irritable Bowel Syndrome can mimic other disorders, which is why it is important to see a gastroenterologist to get an accurate diagnosis. The doctor will want to rule out the following:
colon cancer
colitis
celiac disease
inflammatory bowel disease
Crohn's disease
Do not be afraid to make that appointment. You feel much better in the long run having the knowledge you need to get started with a treatment plan.
Learn some of the methods the doctor may use to
diagnose Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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