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What symptoms are associated with irritable bowel syndrome?
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digestive system disease
Learn why eating large meals can cause bloating, heartburn, and discomfort.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder of the intestines characterized by a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms. The primary symptoms include:
- Abdominal issues: Patients frequently experience abdominal pain and cramping, most often in the lower abdomen. This pain is sometimes relieved after defecation, though generalized discomfort or nausea may persist for 15 to 30 minutes following a bowel movement.12
- Altered bowel habits: Symptoms range from diarrhea to constipation, or an alternation between the two. Some individuals report difficulty passing stools.12
- Stool characteristics: The presence of mucus in the stools is common, particularly when the colon is involved.12
- Other sensations: Patients may experience intestinal gas and a sensation of incomplete rectal evacuation.1
While IBS causes significant discomfort and emotional distress—sometimes accompanied by anxiety or depression—it does not cause permanent intestinal damage.12