
	IBS Info
	Information on IBS
	IBS cause
	Clinical Trial 1
	Clinical Trial 2
	Symptoms
	IBS syndrome
	IBS Diet
	What Is IBS
	Stress
	Medication
	Treatment
	Symptoms
	Foods that trigger
	Cure
	Diarrhoea Predominant IBS
	Causes
	Constipation
	Diverticulosis
	Do I have IBS?
	How long does it last?
	Hydrocodone
	Menstruation
	Pregnancy
	Children
	Recipes
	Mylanta
	Natural Cure
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Do I have IBS?

There is no known single cause of IBS and no known cure. What is known is that IBS can be triggered by certain foods and drinks, stress and even hormones. IBS is therefore difficult to diagnose due to the fact that the symptoms of IBS can mimic many other conditions and diseases. However, IBS is also extremely common and is the most frequent complaint seen by gastroenterologists.

So how do you know if you have IBS?

First of all, IBS doesn’t affect everyone in the same way and consequently there isn’t a standard pattern that will indicate IBS in any one individual. IBS can affect everyone, including children, but seems to be more common in women than in men.

The following questions will give you an idea as to whether or not you might have IBS.

Have you experienced a change in the frequency of your bowel movements?

Some people with IBS have diarrhoea as the most dominant symptom and others complain that constipation is the most troublesome aspect. There are also those who alternate between constipation and diarrhoea. If you have more than three bowel movements a day or less than three a week then this is considered worthy of further investigation.

Is this change associated with a change in the form and appearance of your stools?

Stools can range from small, hard and pellet-like, to very soft and runny stools, either of which can sometimes be accompanied by mucous. It is important to note that blood in the stools is not a symptom of IBS and should always be reported to your doctor.

Do you experience abdominal bloating and pain?

Stomach cramps and abdominal bloating are characteristic of IBS. However, these symptoms can also be a result of other conditions too, which must be ruled out before IBS can be diagnosed.

Do you sometimes have a feeling of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement?

Many people with IBS complain that after a bowel movement they still have the sensation that there is more to come, that they haven’t quite finished. If this is how you feel then IBS is a possibility.

Do you feel that the symptoms are relieved after a bowel movement?

If symptoms such as abdominal bloating and pain are reduced or disappear after a bowel movement then in combination with other symptoms, this could indicate irritable bowel syndrome.

What about nausea, dizziness, headaches and heartburn?

All of these can be symptoms of IBS but again, these can all be attributed to other causes too.

Are your symptoms worse during periods of stress?

Stress is a known trigger for IBS and many people can relate the onset of their IBS symptoms to a stressful time in their lives so steps must be taken to deal with stress and reduce the amount of stress in your life.

Do certain foods or drinks have an impact on your bowel movements?

Food intolerance is quite common in IBS sufferers. Keep a note of what you eat or drink over a period of a couple of weeks and identify any associations between the foods and your bowel movements. If a particular food or drink exacerbates your symptoms, try eliminating that food from your diet to see if it makes a difference.

What next?

If you have any of the symptoms listed above and think you might be suffering from IBS, contact your doctor so that any other potential causes can be ruled out and an accurate diagnosis obtained.