Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder that affects the intestines. While doctors don’t know exactly what is brought on, there have been theories. One theory that is argued for most successfully is that the signals passed between the intestines and the brain. This results in problems with the muscles in the intestines. This can cause cramps, bloating and severe pain in the lower abdomen.

Symptoms of IBS

In an effort to pinpoint IBS from other intestinal problems, doctors have created a table of symptoms known as the Rome III criteria. This criteria is used to help distinguish IBS. The Rome III criteria is met for IBS if the patient has had symptoms for at least six months, has had pain for at least three days a month for the past three months and meets any two of the following statements:

  • Pain disappears after having a bowel movement
  • Pain directly linked to how often you have a bowel movement
  • Pain changes due to appearance or consistency of bowel movement

If any of the above three statements are true plus the original criteria, the Rome III method firmly suggests that an individual has IBS. However, there are other symptoms to back up the claim that a patient has IBS and they are supporting symptoms. These symptoms are:

  • The frequency of bowel movement. Some patients with IBS have an increased frequency (three times a day) and others have been known to have a decreased frequency (three times a week).
  • An intestinal gas feeling.
  • Mucus in the stool.
  • Lower abdominal pain that is connected to constipation that then leads to severe diarrhea.

To add to it, there are a series of nongastrointestinal symptoms that might further help a doctor diagnose IBS. They are:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Headache
  • Backache
  • Insomnia
  • Sexual problems such as pain during intercourse.

In the end, the Rome III criteria is what doctors look for most when trying to determine if a patient has IBS or not. If the other symptoms tie in with the Rome III criteria, a doctor will be able to better diagnose a patient with IBS and start treatment sooner. Typically, the treatment is simply changing diet and consuming less of certain types of foods. Once the doctors can pinpoint what food is causing it, they can help restructure a diet that will allow for all the necessary nutrients without that specific food in it.