How to Recognize the Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Disease

According to the National Institute for Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Disease, approximately 22,000,000 Americans--about 1 in 10--are afflicted with Irritable Bowel Disease. Unfortunately, a large number of people who have Irritable Bowel Disease don't recognize that they have a disorder, or they simply ignore the symptoms. However, Irritable Bowel Disease can become quite serious. If you even suspect that you may have this condition, you should learn how to recognize its symptoms.

Things You'll Need

• Written list of symptoms and their frequency

Instructions

Learn How to Recognize the Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Disease

1. Recognize that Irritable Bowel Disease is not to be taken lightly. Statistics show that this condition is responsible for about 34,000 hospitalizations, roughly three and half million trips to the doctor and more than two million prescriptions on an annual basis.

2. Understand that clinical Irritable Bowel Disease is usually diagnosed if symptoms are experienced a minimum of 12 weeks out of a full year.

3. Know that pain, particularly in the lower abdomen, is one of the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Disease.

4. Note any changes or fluctuation in bowel movements, such as constipation or recurring diarrhea, or an alternation of both.

5. Expect to report any sensation of feeling bloated, especially after a meal, as well as any accompanying gas.

6. Examine your stools for any signs of mucous, as this is also an indication of Irritable Bowel Disease.

7. Call your doctor immediately if there is any blood in the stool since this can suggest a more serious condition other than Irritable Bowel Disease, such as colon cancer or a bleeding stomach ulcer.

Tips & Warnings

• There is no specific cause of Irritable Bowel Disease. In fact, it is not considered to be an actual 'disease' but a term used to describe a syndrome with a certain set of symptoms.

• Irritable Bowel Disease is not necessarily diagnosed from any particular diagnostic test. Neither is it detectable from a colon exam.

• Symptoms range from a feeling of fullness, gas, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. However, symptoms vary from person-to-person, so there is no set standard of classic symptoms.

• Keep a written record of your symptoms--when they tend to occur, how often and any circumstance that may be related, such as emotional stress or a food-associated issue.

• If your doctor tends to dismiss your complaints as being all in your head, then you may want to get a second opinion from another practitioner.