Glossary On Symptoms

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic disease and the presentation varies from case to case. The duration, severity and type of symptoms are all individual-specific.

In some cases, the symptoms may be mild and persistent at all times. In other cases, the symptoms may come up only during times of stress and then disappear completely. There are also cases in which the condition appears suddenly without any warning at all and follows a random pattern. Some people are affected so severely by irritable bowel syndrome that it may be difficult for them to continue with their daily activities, attend social functions or travel.

Some of the common symptoms of Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are described here:

• Constipation: The patient gets less than 3 bowel movements a week; stools are hard, difficult to pass and require straining. There may be cramping pain in the abdomen due to the straining at stools.
• Diarrhea: The patient gets more than 3 bowel movements a day; the stools are loose or may be watery in consistency. The stool is generally preceded by an uncontrollable urge to defecate.
• Constipation may alternate with diarrhea in some patients of Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Flatulence, gases
• Bloating and heaviness of abdomen

Apart from symptoms pertaining to the digestive tract, the patient may also experience other general symptoms such as:

• Tiredness, fatigue
• Backache
• Headache
• Generalized body ache and muscle pains
• Anxiety or depression on account of the disease
• Frequent urging for urination or other urinary problems
• Pain during sex, reduced sexual desire

Some of the symptoms to watch out for (these are not symptoms of Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and must be reported to the treating physician if detected):

• Blood in stools
• Fever
• Significant weight loss
• Severe vomiting (occasional nausea and vomiting may be seen but generally these are not severe)

Most of the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) respond well to homeopathic treatment since homeopathy provides safe, gentle and effective solution to this problem.