Which symptoms are characteristic of irritable bowel syndrome?

The selected answer highlights symptoms that are commonly associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Stomach cramping is a hallmark symptom of IBS, often related to gastrointestinal spasms. Excessive gas is also frequently reported by individuals with IBS, reflecting disturbances in the digestive process. Incomplete evacuation is another characteristic symptom where individuals feel they have not fully completed a bowel movement, a common complaint in those living with IBS.

These symptoms align with the underlying pathophysiology of IBS, which involves a dysregulation of bowel motility and sensitivity. The condition leads to an array of gastrointestinal issues, which can manifest in different ways in different individuals, but the combination of cramping, gas, and issues with bowel movements is particularly indicative of IBS. Other options reflect symptoms more characteristic of different gastrointestinal disorders or conditions, making them less representative of IBS.