What symptom might indicate IBS during a diagnosis?

Abdominal distension is a key symptom that may indicate Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). This condition is characterized by a combination of abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits, and abdominal distension often accompanies these symptoms. Patients with IBS frequently report a feeling of fullness or bloating in the abdomen, which can be exacerbated by the intake of food or stress.

In the context of IBS, abdominal distension can occur due to the altered motility of the intestines, leading to gas accumulation or variations in intestinal transit time. This symptom aligns with the typical presentations seen in individuals diagnosed with IBS, making it significant in the diagnostic process.

Other symptoms like frequent hard stools or persistent nausea may occur, but they are not definitive indications of IBS on their own. Excessive weight gain is generally unrelated to IBS, as the condition does not typically lead to changes in weight status; rather, many with IBS experience fluctuations in weight. Thus, abdominal distension serves as a more direct and relevant indicator of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.