Sadly, medical experts estimate that as many as 60% to 70% of people with actual Irritable Bowel Syndrome have never been given a confirmed diagnosis.  For these people, this means living daily with cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and other problems.

One of the main issues is that many of these people have gone to the doctor, had certain tests performed, only to be told there’s nothing wrong and that perhaps the problem is all in the mind.  Since the common symptoms of IBS could be any number of other problems such as Dyspepsia, Crohn’s Disease, or Ulcerative Colitis, some doctors will test specifically for these illnesses and when the tests come back negative, they do not think to look further at IBS.

In fact, prior to the public and even the medical professional having a full understanding of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, it was merely a disorder that was not taken seriously.  Over time, medical experts discovered that IBS is very real and very painful.  Today, there still needs to be more awareness about Irritable Bowel Syndrome, as well as the cause and treatment, people who go to the doctor with certain signs will likely be checked to make sure this is not the problem.

Every person who has Irritable Bowel Syndrome will experience varying levels of intensity, as well as varying symptoms and combinations of symptoms. However, the following are the most common symptoms of IBS that you need to be aware of.  If you find that you develop any or all of the listed symptoms, rather than assume it will go away, we strongly recommend you find a qualified doctor and be checked so you can get proper treatment.

• Gastrointestinal Problems – With Irritable Bowel Syndrome, food has trouble being broken down and then absorbed into the bloodstream.  Because of this, the stomach, bowel, and colon experience a number of symptoms that commonly include bloating, gas, nausea, and vomiting.
• Colon Problems – Other common symptoms of IBS occur when food being moved through the body is slowed down or sped up.  In the case of slow movement, the symptom of Irritable Bowel Syndrome is constipation whereas when things are sped up, there is diarrhea.  In some cases, people with IBS will also experience a feeling of not completing a bowel movement or finding larger amounts than normal of mucus in the stool.
• Nervous System – You will also find that common symptoms of IBS happen because of the body’s nervous system.  The body actually has several nervous systems working independently yet together.  For instance, the colon has nerves that are affected one way or the other depending on how the gastrointestinal tract is working.  For example, these sensory nerves will react to the speed in which the intestine processes and empties the stomach.  If not working properly, cramping, gas, and bloating are common.
• Gastrointestinal Organs – When sensations relating to the gastrointestinal organs are working normally, the body functions without any problem.  On the other hand, if the sensations are off, the organs will respond accordingly, which can cause fast or slow movement of food.  When these organs are not in proper functioning order, a person would likely experience common symptoms of IBS such as gas, bloating, and cramping.
• Food Digestion – If the digestion of food slows down, the small intestine can experience problems with an overgrowth of bacteria.  When this occurs, the bacteria that usually remain in the colon will get into the smaller intestine, causing undigested food in the colon to create a large amount of gas, as well as bloating and diarrhea.

As mentioned, while there are common symptoms of IBS that most people will experience, the degree or intensity will depend on a number of factors.  For instance, the type of diet a person is on will have a direct impact on the severity of symptoms, as will stress and even a lowered immune system.  The key in keeping the common symptoms of IBS under control is to work closely with a qualified doctor so you can learn treatment options that would work best for your case.

Keep in mind, while Irritable Bowel Syndrome is frustrating, painful, and in some cases, debilitating, there are many excellent options for getting and keeping the disorder under control.  Most people who get on the proper treatment find not only can they help reduce the common symptoms of IBS but in some cases, alleviate them.