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Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a problem in the abdomen or otherwise intestinal areas. Commonly used to determine if symptoms are IBS, is the Rome II criteria, which is a list of symptoms frequent in those with IBS. By using these, doctors are able to tell if it is specifically Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or if the problem is something else.

Patients do not have to have every symptom in order to be diagnosed with IBS, and there are different classifications of IBS, which are dependent on the symptom's severity. In mild cases, Irritable Bowel Syndrome does not interfere with normal daily life, though a few people like to see a doctor to make sure their symptoms are not more life-threatening. There are some who experience disruptions in routine life, such as school or work. These instances can be triggered by certain foods, stressful or emotional times, or by physical factors.

For the 5 percent of IBS sufferers who deal with sever symptoms, there are other contributors to their illness - depression or anxiety, and extremely stressful life situations can all cause worsened IBS, and people might not acknowledge that these factors are contributing. While some visit a wide range of health care professionals looking for causes and cures for the symptoms, they sometimes also find that doctors overlook serious problems. Second opinions are usually not a bad idea if the patient feels they are not being treated efficiently.

There are 3 conditions that people should be aware of when they think they have Irritable Bowel Syndrome: the relief of pain directly after bowel movement occurs, appearance of the stool changes, or the frequency changes. If a person has 2 of these symptoms for twelve weeks or more throughout the past year, or if pain and discomfort is continuous, it is believed to be IBS.

If bowel movements vary pretty regularly, it could also be IBS. Most people suffer from at least a couple of the following symptoms - bloating or gassiness, strain or urgency in bowel movements, the feeling the stool has not passed, different sizes or consistencies in bowel movements (i.e. tiny, round and hard, watery-loose, or very thin stools), and diarrhea or constipation. Sometimes present, is mucus in the stool, or intestinal gas.

Symptoms that people could have that do not affect the intestines are anxiety, fatigue, sleep problems, sexual problems, headache and backache, awkward taste in the mouth, urinary symptoms, or heart palpitations.

Initially, patients will have to commit to a lifestyle

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