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The Curious Bag
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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a generally mild form of irritation to the colon (lower intestine) caused by temporary problems in the muscles of the colon or an infection, according to MedlinePlus. Serious symptoms of this condition are rare.
Abdominal Symptoms
Symptoms of IBS specific to the abdomen include abdominal distention (the appearance of the abdomen being too large or swollen); fulling full or bloated and having gas; and periodic pain in the abdomen that may occur more after eating and may go away after a bowel movement, according to MedlinePlus.
Other Symptoms
Other symptoms of IBS include, according to MedlinePlus and the Mayo Clinic, chronic and often painful constipation and diarrhea, loss of appetite and mucous in stool.
Impact
According to the Mayo Clinic, 20 percent of adults in the United States may experience IBS symptoms.
Considerations
People with irritable bowel syndrome may also have emotional problems such as distress and depression, according to MedlinePlus. Conversely, such mental health issues can worsen IBS symptoms.
Time Frame
MedlinePlus reports that a person may suffer lifelong IBS symptoms, but managing the disease requires treatment tools based individual needs---no one treatment works for everyone.
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