The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be categorised as follows:
Colonic symptoms (most common)
- Diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, abdominal pain and heartburn
- Straining and urgency at defecation and incomplete evacuation
- Mucus in the stool
Non-colonic symptoms
- Psychosocial distress (anxiety, depression and/or stress)
- Lethargy
- Backache and headache
- Muscle pain
- Dizziness
- Nausea
Typically, people with IBS would get up in the morning feeling fine, but as the day progresses, the bloating, pain and/or discomfort will start and intensify.
This can affect the person’s quality of life, both professionally and socially.
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Reviewed by Kim Hofmann, registered dietitian, BSc Medical (Honours) Nutrition and Dietetics, BSc (Honours) Psychology. January 2018.