Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that can cause a range of different symptoms. These symptoms may vary among different people with IBS, and people with IBS may find that their own symptoms change over time.
The most common symptom of IBS is pain or cramping in the abdomen, which may come and go but is usually experienced at least one day a week. The majority of people with IBS have abdominal pain that is related to the person’s bowel movements in some way: diarrhea, constipation, or alternating diarrhea and constipation. Stools may become more or less frequent, and/or there may be a change in the consistency of the stools (harder or more loose/watery).
Abdominal pain accompanied by a change in bowel habits are the most common symptoms of IBS