IBS Symptoms and Left Abdominal Pain

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a digestive condition that causes constipation and/or diarrhea along with other abdominal symptoms. IBS may be debilitating at times, but it is not life-threatening. It is incurable, but is treatable with medications and diet.

Significance

• According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, IBS is a common adult disorder affecting up to 20 percent of the U.S. population.

Effects

• IBS effects include constipation, diarrhea, mucus in stools, bloating, cramping and abdominal pain. Some individuals with IBS may suffer predominantly from constipation or diarrhea while others will have alternating episodes of both. Symptoms may remain about the same all the time, or they may improve and then worsen again with the passing of time.

Abdominal Pain

• To receive a diagnosis of IBS, patients must have experienced abdominal pain for at least 12 weeks (consecutively or non-consecutively) out of the last year. Bowel movements typically alleviate abdominal pain associated with IBS. Also, during periods of prolonged abdominal pain, the frequency or consistency of bowel movements typically change.

Considerations

• According to NIDDK, severe and persistent abdominal pain is not a symptom of IBS and should be evaluated by physician. Differential diagnoses of left abdominal pain Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, spleen enlargement, endometriosis and ulcerative colitis. Ovarian cysts and ectopic pregnancies may cause lower left abdominal pain in women.

Treatments

• IBS treatments include prescription medications and diet modifications. Medications such as antidepressants are sometimes prescribed for IBS along with antispasmodic medications to treat abdominal pain and spasms. IBS diets should contain small meals with limited amounts of dairy products, wheat, barley, rye, alcohol, chocolate and caffeinated drinks.