What is IBS? Symptoms, causes, and treatment options explained
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive condition affecting around 2 in 10 people in the UK. While occasional stomach discomfort is normal, IBS causes recurring abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits such as diarrhoea or constipation.
Though there is no cure, IBS symptoms can often be managed effectively through diet, lifestyle changes, and medications.
What are the symptoms of IBS?
The main symptom of IBS is abdominal pain, often experienced as cramps in the lower left side of the stomach. Many people find this discomfort improves after going to the toilet.
Other common symptoms include:
- Bloating: A feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen.
- Diarrhoea: Frequent or urgent bowel movements.
- Constipation: Difficulty emptying the bowels completely.
Additional symptoms may include: - Flatulence.
- Mucus in stools.
- Indigestion or nausea.
- Tiredness or backache.
- Irritable bladder symptoms or incontinence.
Symptoms are often triggered by stress, anxiety, or certain foods and drinks.
What causes IBS?
The exact cause of IBS isn’t fully understood. However, possible factors include:
- Sensitive bowel nerves or muscles that react more strongly to certain stimuli.
- Genetics: A family history of IBS increases your likelihood of developing it.
Common IBS triggers include:
- Alcohol and caffeine.
- Fizzy or processed foods.
- Fatty or spicy meals.
- Stress and anxiety.
- Certain antibiotics.
Identifying and avoiding your triggers is key to managing IBS. Keeping a symptoms diary can help pinpoint what causes flare-ups.
How is IBS diagnosed?
IBS can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms overlap with other conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or coeliac disease.
Your clinician will start by discussing your symptoms, their frequency, and duration. To rule out other conditions, they may recommend:
- Blood tests.
- Stool sample tests.
If other conditions are excluded and your symptoms match IBS, a diagnosis can be confirmed.
How is IBS treated?
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Managing IBS often starts with lifestyle changes, tailored to your specific symptoms. Here’s how you can take control:
- Diet Adjustments:
- Reduce fatty, spicy, or processed foods.
- Increase fresh, homemade meals.
- Monitor fibre intake—high-fibre foods may help constipation but worsen diarrhoea.
- Exercise & Hydration:
- Regular physical activity can improve symptoms.
- Drink plenty of water and reduce caffeine, fizzy drinks, and alcohol.
- Over-the-Counter Medicines:
- For cramps and bloating: Buscopan or peppermint oil.
- For diarrhoea: Loperamide (e.g., Imodium).
- For constipation: Laxatives.
If lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medicines aren’t enough, consult a clinician.y.
- Diet Adjustments:
When to See a Doctor or Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP)
You should seek medical advice if:
