What is a hallmark symptom of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is primarily characterized by intermittent abdominal pain, which is a hallmark symptom of the condition. This abdominal pain typically fluctuates in intensity and is often associated with changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation, but the key feature is the pain itself. This pain is usually relieved by defecation or associated with a change in the frequency or form of bowel movements.

While persistent diarrhea can occur in some individuals with IBS, it is not a defining feature of the disorder; IBS can also present with constipation or alternating episodes of both. Weight gain is generally not associated with IBS, as the condition typically does not impact weight in a consistent manner. Additionally, fever and chills are not symptoms of IBS, as they suggest an infectious or inflammatory process rather than a functional gastrointestinal disorder like IBS. Therefore, the intermittent nature of abdominal pain stands out as the primary characteristic symptom of this condition.