Symptoms:

Symptoms range from mild to severe, however most people have mild symptoms. IBS symptoms may be worse in patients with underlying stress or mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, but it is important to understand that these conditions do not cause IBS. Symptoms may include:

• Abdominal distention
• Abdominal fullness, gas, bloating
• Abdominal pain or tenderness that:
  • Comes and goes
  • Goes away after a bowel movement
  • Occurs after meals
• Chronic and frequent constipation, usually accompanied by pain
• Chronic and frequent diarrhea, usually accompanied by pain
• Emotional distress
• Depression
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting

Signs and tests:

Most of the time, your doctor can diagnose IBS without ordering many tests. Tests usually reveal no problems.

Some patient may need an endoscopy, especially if symptoms begin later in life. Younger patients with persistent diarrhea may need this test to look for inflammatory diseases that can cause similiar symptoms such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. You may need additional tests if you have blood in your stool, weight loss, or signs of anemia.

Patients over age 50 should be screened for colon cancer.