Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a term used to describe discomfort in the bowel (the colon, or large intestine). Symptoms of IBS may include crampy pain, bloating, gas, mucus in the stool, and changes in bowel habits. Some people with IBS have constipation—infrequent stools that may be hard, dry and painful. Others have diarrhea—frequent loose stools. Some people having alternating constipation and diarrhea. Sometimes a person with IBS has a crampy urge to move the bowels but cannot do so. ...