Symptoms of Irritable bowel syndrome
The symptoms of IBS vary between individuals and affect some people more severely than others. Symptoms can become worse, often during times of stress or after eating certain foods. You may find some of the symptoms of IBS ease after going to the toilet and moving your bowels. Main symptoms The most common symptoms of IBS are: abdominal (stomach) pain and cramping, which may be relieved by moving your bowels a change in your bowel habits – such as diarrhoea, constipation or sometimes both bloating and swelling of your stomach excessive wind (flatulence) occasionally experiencing an urgent need to move your bowels Other less common symptoms may also be experienced, such as: lack of energy (lethargy) feeling sick heartburn The symptoms of IBS can also have a significant impact on a person's day-to-day life and, as a result, some people may experience symptoms of low mood and stress.