Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
What is irritable bowel syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder of the large intestine.
What are the symptoms?
IBS is characterised by abnormal movements in the muscles of the intestine, which cause discomfort and abnormal function, as well as constipation and diarrhoea alternately. IBS can also provoke abdominal pain, gas, bloating and changes in bowel habits.
Causes of irritable bowel syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is usually associated with stress-related problems, although it has been shown that stress does not provoke it, but rather increases its effects. The exact causes of IBS are not clear, although it may occur after an intestinal infection.
This condition is often confused with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which, unlike IBS, is caused by the abnormal structure of the colon.
Can it be prevented?
IBS is different in everyone and while the condition itself cannot truly be prevented, it can be avoided after diagnosis through certain lifestyle changes and management of the symptoms. For example, if you have IBS, it is not recommended to skip meals or eat later than you usually do, in addition to not rushing meals or eating too quickly. Avoiding spicy foods or ‘trigger’ foods can also help to keep IBS at bay. Many people with IBS prefer to cook their own meals as it means they can fully control what they are eating, thus avoiding triggers.
What is the treatment?
For the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome, there is no specific test, but it is necessary for the doctor to rule out other conditions in which symptoms are similar. Therefore your doctor may arrange for blood tests or stool samples to be taken to make sure the right diagnosis is given.
Although there is no cure for IBS once diagnosed, as it is a chronic condition, certain measures can help to alleviate the symptoms:
- Try to find ways to help you relax
- Get plenty of exercise
- Keep a food diary to help you monitor triggers
- Eat foods which are easier for you to digest
- Use over-the-counter medication to control symptoms such as cramp and diarrhoea


IBS symptoms: could they mean something else?
By Dr Lisa Das
2021-03-07
Symptoms aren't always what they seem. Leading consultant gastroenterologist Dr Lisa Das tells us about 4 other conditions to watch out for that share the same symptoms as irritable bowel syndrome. See more


FODMAP diet: how it helps IBS
By Dr Aathavan Loganayagam
2021-03-07
Bloated? Stomach cramps after you've eaten? It may be time to try the low FODMAP diet, a temporary eating plan that helps improve digestive symptoms. Read more from our expert gastroenterologist Dr Aathavan Loganayagam on the dietary treatment and how it works. See more


7 common causes of chronic diarrhoea
By Dr Evangelos Russo
2021-03-06
Diarrhoea is when you pass looser and more frequent stools than usual. If you are suffering from diarrhoea for several weeks, this is classed as chronic diarrhoea and it should be investigated by a doctor. Dr Evangelos Russo is a leading gastroenterologist and here he explains the seven most common causes of chronic diarrhoea in the Western world. See more


The gut-brain connection: how our emotions play a direct role in the health of our digestive system
By Professor Owen Epstein
2021-03-06
Have certain situations ever made you feel "sick to your stomach"? How often have you felt "butterflies" or decided to just "go with your gut"? These expressions exist for a reason; they reflect an important connection between our brain and gut, highlighting how sensitive our digestive system is to our emotions such as anxiety, stress and even depression. Professor Owen Epstein, a pioneering professor of gastroenterology, explains more. See more
-
Dr John Martin
GastroenterologyExpert in:
- Colonoscopy
- Capsule endoscopy
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Polypectomy
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Bloated stomach
-
Dr Aathavan Loganayagam
GastroenterologyExpert in:
- Endoscopy
- Bowel cancer
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Indigestion (dyspepsia)
- Colonoscopy
-
Dr Doctor Prueba Test
AcupunctureExpert in:
- Patellar tendonitis (jumper's knee)
- Ankle tendonitis
- Fibromyalgia
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Rhinitis
-
Dr Lisa Das
GastroenterologyExpert in:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Gastroscopy
- Abdominal pain
- Indigestion (dyspepsia)
- Constipation
- Chronic diarrhoea
-
Professor Stuart Bloom
GastroenterologyExpert in:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Coeliac disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Acid reflux
- Stomach ulcer
- Food intolerance
- See all

GI DOCTORS
GI DOCTORS
116 Harley Street, Marylebone, W1G 7JL
No existe teléfono en el centro.
By using the telephone number provided by TOP DOCTORS, you automatically agree to let us use your phone number for statistical and commercial purposes. For further information, read our Privacy Policy
Top Doctors

London Medical
London Medical
49 Marylebone High Street
No existe teléfono en el centro.
By using the telephone number provided by TOP DOCTORS, you automatically agree to let us use your phone number for statistical and commercial purposes. For further information, read our Privacy Policy
Top Doctors

LycaHealth
LycaHealth
1 Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf
No existe teléfono en el centro.
By using the telephone number provided by TOP DOCTORS, you automatically agree to let us use your phone number for statistical and commercial purposes. For further information, read our Privacy Policy
Top Doctors
-
GI DOCTORS
116 Harley Street, Marylebone, W1G 7JL, W1G Marylebone LondonExpert in:
- Colonoscopy
- Colorectal surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Hernia
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome
-
London Medical
49 Marylebone High Street, Central LondonExpert in:
- Cardiology
- Adult Diabetes
- Child Diabetes
- Endocrinology
- General practice
- Ophthalmology
-
LycaHealth
1 Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf, Central LondonExpert in:
- Cardiology
- Dermatology
- Diagnostic Imaging
- ENT
- Orthopaedic surgery
- Women’s health
- See all