Not everyone who has symptoms for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) experiences the exact same thing. Symptoms can be mild and annoying or they can be severe and debilitating and everything in between.

There are several symptoms that can be part of irritable bowel syndrome. First, diarrhea can be experienced. This is a loose, water stool that is sometimes hard to control. Many people who experience IBS with diarrhea have problems with urgent needs to run to the restroom.

On the flipside, constipation can also be part of IBS. This is hard stools that are difficult to eliminate. You may have difficulty going to the bathroom and experience days when you don’t go at all.

Feeling bloated is common with IBS. You may feel a sense of uncomfortable fullness and gas. While everyone experiences these symptoms from time to time, the true mark of irritable bowel syndrome is having them consistently over time. Continue reading →

Once you’ve been diagnosed, it’s time to seek treatment for irritable bowel syndrome. One of the markers of IBS is that it doesn’t have a specific known cause. That means there is no one treatment for the problem. While that may sound discouraging, the good news is that there are many different treatment options to try depending on your symptoms.

First, eliminating caffeine can be helpful. Caffeine and other stimulants can cause the bowel to become more irritated. This one step can help to reduce problems with IBS. While it may be difficult to cut out that morning cup of coffee, it can make your symptoms much improved.

You may also want to add fiber to your diet. Most people don’t get enough fiber throughout the day. If you increase the fiber in your diet you can help your digestion to become more regular. This can improve constipation greatly. Continue reading →