Abdominal pain has been reported as primarily acute or a generalized ache with superimposed periods of abdominal cramps, although sharp, dull, gas-like, or nondescript pains are also common. The abdominal discomfort or pain is usually relieved with a bowel movement. 25% to 50% of patients report heartburn, early feeling of fullness (satiety), nausea, abdominal fullness, and bloating. Many patients also report intermittent upper abdominal discomfort or pain (dyspepsia).

Many irritable bowel syndrome patients also report non-gastrointestinal symptoms such as fatigue, muscle pain, sleep disturbances, and sexual dysfunction. These symptoms may be due to the coexistence or overlap of irritable bowel syndrome with another condition such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, or interstitial cystitis.

Abnormal functioning of the nerves and muscles of the bowel produce the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. In irritable bowel syndrome there is no evidence of an organic disease, yet, something - a "deregulation" between the brain, the gut, and the central nervous system -- causes the bowel to become "irritated," or overly sensitive to stimuli. Symptoms may occur even in response to normal events. Symptoms can vary and sometimes seem contradictory, such as alternating diarrhea and constipation.

Anemia, bleeding, unexplained weight loss, or fevers are not characteristic of irritable bowel syndrome. You should alert your physician immediately if you are experiencing these symptoms. Other factors that may suggest the presence of an organic disease include awakening from sleep at night, family history of colon cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, and onset of symptoms (or change in symptoms) over the age of 50.

There are no physical findings or diagnostic blog business tests that confirm the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome. Diagnosis involves identifying certain symptoms consistent with the disorder and excluding other medical conditions that may have a similar clinical presentation. In addition, a detailed history, a physical examination, and limited diagnostic tests help confirm this diagnosis with a high level of confidence. Extensive testing may be reserved for specific situations.

Irritable bowel syndrome affects men and women of all ages. Significant proportions - 35% to 40% - of individuals who report irritable bowel syndrome in the community are male. Approximately 60% to 65% of individuals who report irritable bowel syndrome in the community are female.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a major women's health issue. Data reveals an increased risk of unnecessary surgery for extra-abdominal and abdominal surgery in irritable bowel syndrome patients. For example, hysterectomy or ovarian surgery has been reported in female patients with irritable bowel syndrome as high as 47% to 55% and has been performed more often in the irritable bowel syndrome patient than in comparison groups.

Irritable bowel syndrome is not caused by stress. It is not a psychological or psychiatric disorder. Although, because of the connection between the brain and the gut, symptoms in some individuals can be exacerbated or triggered by stress. Dietary and hormonal factors can affect symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

Irritable bowel syndrome is not an indication of another more serious disease, like cancer. Irritable bowel syndrome can, however, seriously compromise a person's quality of life. Chronic and recurrent symptoms can disrupt personal or professional activities, upset emotional well being, and limit individual potential.