Ibs?

[blondebombshell]

i am trying to figure out what IBS is exactly. what are the symptoms? my entire life i have never had regular bowel movements and i am wondering if they are IBS related.

THANKS!

[Lisa]

i am trying to figure out what IBS is exactly. what are the symptoms? my entire life i have never had regular bowel movements and i am wondering if they are IBS related.

THANKS!

Open Original Shared Link

[Sandi*]

from www.helpforibs.com

Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome - What Are IBS Symptoms?

It's important to verify that your symptoms match those of IBS before you accept this diagnosis. As noted, Irritable Bowel Syndrome is characterized by its symptoms: continuous or recurrent lower abdominal pain or cramping (from mild to excruciating) in association with altered bowel motility (diarrhea, constipation, or both). Attacks may strike suddenly at any time of day or night, and may occasionally - though not typically - wake you from a sound sleep. Gas and bloating are common, but vomiting isn't, though it can occur due to nausea from the pain. Upper GI symptoms are not a typical part of the syndrome. For women, attacks are often associated with menstruation. Passing blood, running a fever, swollen extremities, and joint pain are not symptoms of IBS, and point to other disorders. IBS is diagnosed in part by the use of the official diagnostic criteria known as the Open Original Shared Link.

[Ursa Major]

IBS doesn't 'have' symptoms, rather it is a bunch of symptoms. Therefore, it isn't really a valid diagnosis, as it is caused by 'something'. An irritable bowel has a cause, which needs to be figured out, so it can be relieved.

It could be celiac disease, or crohn's, or colitis (which all respond well to a gluten-free diet). It could be caused by intolerances to a number of foods like gluten, soy, dairy, nightshades or whatever you are intolerant to. Or it could be Lyme's disease, which causes leaky gut and hence intolerances, which will then often be 'diagnosed' as IBS as well.