What are the most commonly listed IBS symptoms?
Managing IBS involves identifying triggers, adopting dietary changes, managing stress, and sometimes using medications to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) symptoms can vary widely among individuals but commonly include abdominal pain or discomfort, often relieved by bowel movements, and changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of both. Do you know the most common symptoms of IBS? Here is what people voted on.
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1
Bloating
1294
32
A feeling of fullness and tightness in the abdomen, often due to gas buildup and slow digestion. Can be worsened by certain foods, gut bacteria imbalances, or stress.
2
Diarrhea
1095
34
Frequent, loose, or watery stools, sometimes accompanied by urgency and abdominal discomfort. Can be triggered by food sensitivities, gut dysbiosis, or stress.
3
Constipation
1047
40
Infrequent, hard, or difficult-to-pass stools, often accompanied by straining. May result from low fiber intake, dehydration, or slow bowel motility.
4
Flatulence
1058
65
Excessive gas production in the intestines, leading to burping or passing gas. Can be caused by poor digestion, food intolerances, or gut bacteria imbalance.
5
Cramping
1085
95
Sharp or dull pain in the lower abdomen due to irregular bowel movements, muscle contractions, or trapped gas. Often relieved after passing stool or gas.
6
Urgent bowel movement
967
18
A sudden, strong need to pass stool, sometimes leading to accidents. Can occur with diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D) or after trigger foods.
7
Stomach pain
964
40
A common IBS symptom, ranging from mild discomfort to severe aching, often linked to digestion, stress, or food intolerance.
8
Hemorrhoids
991
75
Swollen blood vessels around the rectum or anus, often caused by constipation, straining, or diarrhea. Can lead to pain, itching, and rectal bleeding.
9
Abdominal pain
987
92
General discomfort, aching, or sharp pain in the stomach area due to bowel irritation, gas buildup, or colon spasms. Often fluctuates in intensity.
10
Colon spasms
960
85
Involuntary contractions of the colon muscles, leading to cramping, irregular bowel movements, and discomfort. Can be triggered by stress or diet.
11
Brain fog
881
11
A sensation of mental fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and memory issues. Often linked to inflammation, gut microbiome imbalances, or food intolerances.
12
Stomach cramp
954
93
Sudden, sharp pains in the stomach or intestines caused by muscle spasms, gas, or inflammation. May occur before or after bowel movements.
13
Dizziness
866
15
A feeling of lightheadedness or unsteadiness, sometimes caused by dehydration, nutrient deficiencies, or gut-brain axis dysfunction in IBS.
14
Nausea
889
56
A feeling of queasiness or the urge to vomit, often triggered by bloating, food intolerance, or gut-brain axis dysfunction in IBS.
15
Bowel incontinence
902
77
Loss of control over bowel movements, leading to accidental leakage of stool. Often associated with severe diarrhea or weak pelvic floor muscles.
16
Joint inflammation
847
51
Some IBS sufferers experience joint pain and stiffness, potentially due to systemic inflammation, immune system dysfunction, or gut permeability.
17
Rectal bleeding
596
15
Bright red blood in stool or on toilet paper, usually from hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or irritation from frequent bowel movements. Requires medical evaluation.
18
Mucus in stool
588
16
White or clear mucus in bowel movements, indicating gut inflammation, irritation, or excessive mucus production in response to IBS symptoms.
19
Fatigue
594
49
Persistent tiredness and lack of energy, often linked to poor digestion, malabsorption of nutrients, disrupted sleep, or chronic inflammation.
20
Headache
561
30
Frequent headaches or migraines may be linked to gut inflammation, dehydration, or food sensitivities in people with IBS.
21
Partial evacuation – bowel movement
403
22
A sensation of incomplete bowel emptying, often leading to discomfort and frequent trips to the bathroom. Common in IBS-C and IBS-M.
22
Muscle ache
297
20
Generalized muscle soreness or stiffness, often associated with chronic pain conditions, gut inflammation, or nervous system dysfunction in IBS.
23
Blood in stool
233
13
May appear as bright red streaks (from hemorrhoids or fissures) or darker stool (potentially from inflammation or bleeding higher in the digestive tract). Requires medical evaluation.
24
Groin pain
238
22
Discomfort in the lower abdominal or pelvic area, sometimes linked to muscle tension, bloating, or nerve sensitivity in IBS.
25
Vomiting
226
15
Less common but can occur due to severe bloating, nausea, or gut-brain axis dysfunction. Can also indicate an underlying condition requiring medical attention.
26
Hives
219
11
Some IBS sufferers experience skin reactions like hives, possibly due to food sensitivities, histamine intolerance, or gut permeability issues.
27
Low appetite
228
21
A reduced desire to eat, often caused by nausea, bloating, or fear of symptom flare-ups after meals. May lead to unintentional weight loss.
28
Weight loss
223
18
Unintentional weight loss can occur due to poor nutrient absorption, food avoidance, or chronic diarrhea. Should be evaluated by a doctor.
29
Intestinal gas and pain
135
11
Excess gas buildup leading to pressure, bloating, and discomfort. Often caused by poorly digested food, bacterial fermentation, or gut motility issues.
30
Spastic colon
107
7
A term for IBS characterized by irregular muscle contractions in the colon, leading to alternating constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.