Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a complex gastrointestinal disorder which can cause many different symptoms. The disparity is such that doctors are forced to compile a full list of symptoms from a patient in order to diagnose new cases. This is where the Rome III criteria has proven to be indispensable for doctors and gastroenterologists. Manifested symptoms can differ widely from patient to patient.

(If you are living with irritable bowel syndrome, then you might want to consider taking part in an IBS clinical trial at some point.)

The criteria confirming a diagnosis of IBS are quite stringent. The Rome III criteria for irritable bowel syndrome are met only if the patient has been experiencing abdominal pain or discomfort for at least three days a month over the last three months, their symptoms have been present for at least six months prior to seeking medical attention, and they have experienced any two of the following:

Pain coinciding with a change in the appearance or consistency of the stool
Pain coinciding with alterations in normal bowel habits
Notable pain relief following a bowel movement

Alterations in Regular Bowel Habits

For people living with IBS, they can experience a major change in their routine bowel functions over time. Gastroenterologists have associated all of the following as a result of this disorder:

Bowel movements change in consistency and appearance
Abnormal feeling of gas building up or bloating within the intestinal tract that can become painful
Experiencing intermittent periods of constipation and diarrhea.
Patients with IBS may experience sudden overwhelming urges to use the restroom, followed by issues actually passing any stool and the feeling of an incomplete movement.
Many patients deal with small episodes of abdominal pain that precedes periods of constipation. Then these are followed by periods of chronic diarrhea. These treatments can help to mitigate some of these rapid fluctuations, but patients are also strongly advised to stay well hydrated at all times.

Certain patients are made to deal with the abdominal pain and constipation but never have any diarrhea that follows. Excessive levels of gas or even the presence of mucus in or around the stool could also be symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

IBS Symptoms of a Different Nature

Then again, this disorder can also produce certain symptoms that have nothing to do with the gastrointestinal tract. Doctors also know to include any of the following IBS indications while formulating their diagnosis:

Abnormal Fatigue
Anxiety or depression
Insomnia and other issues sleeping
Abnormal headaches and/or backaches
Unexplained foul taste in the patient's mouth
Heart palpitations
Certain forms of sexual dysfunction, including lowered sex drive and pain during intercourse
Various urinary tract complications, such as incontinence and issues fully emptying the bladder

The symptoms most commonly associated with IBS are often exacerbated by high levels of stress, eating certain foods, and during menstruation. Please keep in mind that the presence of one of more of tehse symptoms does not equal the presence of IBS. Several indications can and are produced by other conditions like Crohn's disease.

If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, then please be sure to schedule an appointment with your doctor. Studies have shown that a shockingly high number of IBS sufferers choose not to seek medical condition for their disorder.