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
Articles related to
IBS vs. IBD: what's the difference?
By Dr Aathavan Loganayagam
2019-11-15
The two gastrointestinal diseases IBD and IBS may sound similar but the consequences are quite different. Expert Gastroenterologist Dr Aathavan Loganayagam explains the differences between both. See more
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and your gut bacteria
By Dr Aathavan Loganayagam
2019-11-15
Within our digestive tract, we all have a complex community of gut bacteria or gut flora. This mix of bacteria lines the length of your gut and are said to affect your metabolism, your immune system, and even your mood. Dr Aathavan Loganayagam, a leading gastroenterologist, discusses the recent findings that link your gut flora with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). See more
7 common causes of chronic diarrhoea
By Dr Evangelos Russo
2019-11-14
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
Can IBS be cured and why does it cause gas? Part 2
By Dr Michael Mendall
2019-11-14
In the 2nd part of this interview, Dr Michael Mendall answers all your questions about irritable bowel syndrome. Can IBS be cured? Why do sufferers also have problems with gas? See more
Experts in
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Dr Stuart Bloom
GastroenterologyExpert in:
- Coeliac disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Acid reflux
- Stomach ulcer
- Food intolerance
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Dr Nadeem Ahmad Afzal
Paediatric gastroenterologyExpert in:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Food allergies
- Acid reflux
- Abdominal pain
- Endoscopy
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
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Dr Andrew Millar
GastroenterologyExpert in:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Stomach cancer
- Indigestion (dyspepsia)
- Colonoscopy
- Endoscopy
- Liver disease
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