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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - Symptoms

  • Abdominal cramp: usually in the lower part of the tummy or down the left hand side. The pain can be sharp, gripping or stabbing. It usually eases after passing wind or bowel movement.
  • Irregular bowel habit: Patients can suffer from constipation to diarrhoea. There is increased stool frequency and consistency tends to be loose. Sufferers have feeling of incomplete emptying after bowel movements. Stool tends to be loose but is never increased in bulk and water. Therefore affected people do not become dehydrated ( unlike the diarrhoea in gastroenteritis ).
  • Urgency: A feeling of urgently needing to open the bowels.
  • Motions: varies from small and hard pelletty to loose stool.
  • Abdominal bloating: Tummy feels swollen making clothes feel tight.
  • Excessive wind

Less common symptoms are:

  • Generally tired or tiring easily
  • Backache
  • Headache with sweating, flushing and fainting
  • Nausea or vomiting for no apparent reason
  • Feeling agitated or having pain when going to the toilet

*Be aware that BLOOD in the motion is not a symptom of IBS and you should see your doctor as soon as possible if this happens.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - How to prevent?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - Diagnosis

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - Preparing for surgery

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - Post-surgery care

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - Other Information

The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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