Signs & Symptoms of IBS With Diarrhea

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, affects approximately 20 percent of the adult population in the U.S. The exact cause of IBS is unknown. Fortunately, it can often be controlled with inexpensive medications and dietary changes.

Diarrhea

• Frequent diarrhea is the most obvious symptom of IBS with diarrhea. Most people who have IBS report having attacks of diarrhea first thing in the morning or after eating.

Bloating

• IBS often causes abdominal bloating and discomfort. Bloating can be severe enough to be somewhat painful.

Constipation

• IBS is categorized as either IBS with diarrhea or IBS with constipation. It is possible, however, to experience occasional IBS-related constipation, even if you have IBS with diarrhea.

Frequency

• The NIDDK reports that doctors do not lean toward a diagnosis of IBS unless a patient has had abdominal discomfort and episodes of diarrhea for at least 12 weeks out of the past year.

Gender

• According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, women are more likely to suffer from IBS than men. Many women with IBS notice that their symptoms worsen during their period.

Triggers

• The NIDDK and American Academy of Family Physicians agree that IBS symptoms tend to worsen after the consumption of large meals, chocolate, milk products, wheat, rye and caffeinated beverages. Stress can cause IBS to flare up.