What Are the Symptoms of IBS?

The symptoms of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) vary from person to person, but common signs include abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of these. Symptoms often come in waves and may be influenced by stress, diet, and hormonal factors.

IBS – Not a Disease, but a Pattern of Symptoms

IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder—meaning no structural abnormalities show up in tests, yet the symptoms affect daily life. Many experience digestion that feels unpredictable or overly reactive, even when following a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Symptoms can vary throughout the day, week, or menstrual cycle—but often follow a recognizable pattern.

Common IBS Symptoms

Most people with IBS experience a combination of:

• Abdominal pain or cramping – often in the lower abdomen, sometimes relieved after a bowel movement
  

• Bloating – the stomach feels swollen, tight, or gassy, especially after eating
  

• Excess gas – increased flatulence and digestive discomfort
  

• Changes in bowel habits – diarrhea, constipation, or a mix of both
  

• A sensation of incomplete emptying – even after going to the toilet
  

• Mucus in the stool – harmless but commonly reported
  
  

IBS Is Often Categorized into Different Types

To help guide treatment, IBS is often classified based on bowel habits:

• IBS-D (diarrhea-predominant): loose stools, urgency, multiple bowel movements per day
  

• IBS-C (constipation-predominant): hard stools, infrequent bowel movements, straining
  

• IBS-M (mixed type): alternating between diarrhea and constipation
  

• IBS-U (unclassified): symptoms that don’t fit clearly into the above types
  

These types can shift over time, depending on factors such as diet, stress, and hormones.

Other Common Symptoms Associated with IBS

IBS often affects more than just the gut. Many people also report:

• Fatigue or low energy
  

• Nausea
  

• Feeling constantly bloated
  

• Low mood or anxiety (due to or alongside symptoms)
  

• Digestive noises (gurgling, bubbling, or discomfort after eating)
  

What Triggers IBS Symptoms?

Common triggers include:

• Certain foods (e.g., onions, cabbage, fruit, bread, dairy)
  

• Large meals or irregular eating patterns
  

• Stress or emotionally intense periods
  

• Hormonal fluctuations (e.g., menstrual cycle)
  

• Antibiotics or medications that affect gut flora
  

In some people, poor sleep, irregular routines, or inactivity can also disrupt gut function.

When Should You Seek Medical Advice?

Contact a healthcare provider if you:

• Notice blood in your stool
  

• Lose weight without a clear reason
  

• Experience symptoms at night
  

• Are over 45 and develop new digestive issues
  

• Have intense pain that doesn’t improve
  

These signs may indicate another condition that needs to be ruled out before diagnosing IBS.