IBS
0 Treatments
9 FAQs
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic digestive disorder that affects the function of the large intestine. It is a common condition that can cause abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits such as diarrhoea, constipation, or both.
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Treatments (0)
Advice for IBS
IBS symptoms can vary in severity and may come and go over time. Common symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain or cramping, often relieved after passing stool
- Bloating and excess gas
- Diarrhoea, constipation, or alternating between both
- Mucus in stool
- Urgency to go to the toilet
- Feeling of incomplete bowel movement
Symptoms may worsen after consuming certain foods, during periods of stress, or due to hormonal changes, especially in women.
There is no specific test for IBS, so diagnosis is based on symptoms and medical history. A doctor will:
- Assess the frequency and duration of symptoms
- Rule out other conditions like coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or lactose intolerance
- Conduct tests such as blood tests, stool tests, or a colonoscopy if needed to rule out other conditions
There is no cure for IBS, but symptoms can be effectively managed through diet, lifestyle changes, and medication. A low FODMAP diet, increased fibre intake, and avoiding trigger foods like caffeine, alcohol, and dairy can help prevent flare-ups. For those requiring medication, antispasmodics such as Buscopan (Hyoscine Butylbromide), Alverine Citrate 60mg, and Mebeverine are commonly used to relax intestinal muscles, reduce cramping, and ease bloating.
IBS FAQs (9)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic digestive disorder that affects the large intestine, causing symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, and excess gas.
The exact cause is unknown, but IBS is linked to gut-brain interactions, food sensitivities, abnormal gut motility, stress, and imbalances in gut bacteria.
Common symptoms include stomach pain, bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, mucus in stool, and urgency to use the toilet. Symptoms vary and may come and go over time.
There is no cure for IBS, but symptoms can be managed through diet, lifestyle changes, and medication.
Common triggers include high-FODMAP foods, dairy, caffeine, alcohol, fatty foods, artificial sweeteners, and spicy foods. A low-FODMAP diet can help identify triggers.
Yes, stress and anxiety can trigger IBS symptoms. Relaxation techniques, yoga, exercise, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help reduce flare-ups.
IBS does not cause permanent damage or increase the risk of conditions like cancer, but it can significantly affect daily life if not managed properly.
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Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20360016
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Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4342-irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs
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National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK): https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome
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Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/irritable-bowel-syndrome
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WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/ibs/digestive-diseases-irritable-bowel-syndrome
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National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE): https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/irritable-bowel-syndrome/prescribing-information/antispasmodic-drugs/
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IBD Relief: https://www.ibdrelief.com/learn/treatment/medication-for-ibd/antispasmodics-and-ibd
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The IBS Network: https://www.theibsnetwork.org/abdominal-pain/how-can-i-manage-the-pain/
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Understanding IBS: https://www.understandingibs.org/treatment/medications/
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Guts UK: https://gutscharity.org.uk/advice-and-information/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome/
