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


Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and your gut bacteria
By Dr Aathavan Loganayagam
2022-05-26
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


How to treat post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome
By Dr Aathavan Loganayagam
2022-05-26
Post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome may appear suddenly as a bout of infection in the stomach and intestines, often as the result of bacteria such as Salmonella that causes food poisoning. Here, one of London's top gastroenterologists Dr Aathavan Loganayagam explains everything you need to know about the condition, including how long it lasts and how it can be treated. See more


Bile acid malabsorption: symptoms and treatment
By Dr Aathavan Loganayagam
2022-05-26
If there is an excess build-up of bile acids in your colon, it can lead to a condition known as bile acid malabsorption, which unfortunately can cause bloating and gas. Sounds like symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome? We asked consultant gastroenterologist Dr Aathavan Loganayagam how the conditions compare and how BAM is treated. See more


The gut-brain connection: how our emotions play a direct role in the health of our digestive system
By Professor Owen Epstein
2022-05-25
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:
- Bowel cancer
- Endoscopy
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Indigestion (dyspepsia)
- Colonoscopy
-
Dr Doctor Prueba Test
AcupunctureExpert in:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Rhinitis
- Fibromyalgia
- Ankle tendonitis
- Patellar tendonitis (jumper's knee)
-
Dr Michael Mendall
GastroenterologyExpert in:
- Endoscopy
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Indigestion (dyspepsia)
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Liver disease
- Acid reflux
-
Dr Adam Haycock
GastroenterologyExpert in:
- Bowel cancer screening
- Acid reflux
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Colonoscopy
- Endoscopy
- See all

Spire Little Aston Hospital
Spire Little Aston Hospital
Little Aston Hall Drive, Sutton Coldfield, B74 3UP
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

Lyca Health
Lyca Health
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
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
-
Spire Little Aston Hospital
Little Aston Hall Drive, Sutton Coldfield, B74 3UP, Sutton ColdfieldExpert in:
- Bariatric Surgery
- General Surgery
- Orthopaedic surgery
- Robotic Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Ophthalmology
-
Lyca Health
1 Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf, Central LondonExpert in:
- Cardiology
- Dermatology
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Women’s health
-
GI DOCTORS
116 Harley Street, Marylebone, W1G 7JL, W1G Marylebone LondonExpert in:
- Colorectal surgery
- Colonoscopy
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Gastroenterology
- Hernia
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- See all