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Signs & Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Disease

Irritable bowel syndrome is a digestive condition that commonly affects the large intestine. While it can create some painful and uncomfortable symptoms, irritable bowel syndrome is not a condition that normally causes permanent damage to the colon. Many people control their condition by altering their diet and getting more exercise.

  1. Abdominal Symptoms

    • Irritable bowel syndrome shows itself in many ways, and the primary symptoms are signs of abdominal discomfort. The person will feel abdominal bloating accompanied by abdominal pain that will be severe at times. Other symptoms are constipation, diarrhea, uncontrollable flatulence and mucus in solid stool. A person suffering from irritable bowel syndrome may also notice changes in the way his bowels function.

    Emotional Symptoms

    • A person suffering from irritable bowel syndrome may start to show signs of unexplained anxiety and depression. These symptoms may be strongest after she has eaten a meal. She may also start to experience a loss in her sex drive and a decrease in her desire for sexual contact.

    Sleep Disruption

    • When irritable bowel syndrome sets in it will show signs that will not allow the person to sleep, or it can make his waking hours more painful. He may experience severe headaches that can make falling asleep difficult. He may have bouts of insomnia. He will find it difficult to concentrate on daily activities.

    Urinary Symptoms

    • As irritable bowel syndrome advances the person may start to experience urinary symptoms such as difficulty in urinating but yet having the frequent urge to urinate. The person may also find it difficult to completely empty her bladder when she finally does develop the ability to go.

    Other Symptoms

    • Other symptoms include backaches, heart palpitations and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. There may be an increase in these symptoms after the person has eaten or during stressful situations. Women suffering from irritable bowel syndrome may notice an increase in symptoms during their menstrual cycle.

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