IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME SYMPTOMS |
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The symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome tend to rise and
fall in intensity rather than growing steadily worse over time. They
always include abdominal pain, which may be relieved by defecation;
diarrhea or constipation; or diarrhea alternating with constipation.
Other symptoms--which vary from person to person--include cramps;
gassiness; bloating; nausea; a powerful and uncontrollable urge to
defecate (urgency); passage of a sticky fluid (mucus) during bowel
movements; or the feeling after finishing a bowel movement that the
bowels are still not completely empty. The accepted diagnostic
criteria--known as the Rome criteria--require at least three months
of continuous or recurrent symptoms before Irritable Bowel Syndrome can be confirmed.
According to Christine B. Dalton and Douglas A. Drossman in the
American Family Physician, an estimated 70% of Irritable Bowel Syndrome cases can be
described as "mild;" 25% as "moderate;" and 5% as "severe." In mild
cases the symptoms are slight. As a general rule, they are not
present all the time and do not interfere with work and other normal
activities. Moderate Irritable Bowel Syndrome occasionally disrupts normal activities and
may cause some psychological problems. People with severe Irritable Bowel Syndrome often
find living a normal life impossible and experience crippling
psychological problems as a result. For some the physical pain is
constant and intense. |
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| IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME RELATED ITEMS |
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