What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

IBS is a common gut disorder that affects one in five people. It affects people of all ages but more commonly first develops in young adults. Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, and sometimes bouts of diarrhoea and/or constipation.

Although the exact cause is unknown, and it isn't possible to prevent IBS from developing, there are certain things that can be done to prevent symptoms from occurring, for example avoiding stress, eating regular meals and, in some cases, eating more dietary fibre. 

Common symptoms

• Pain and discomfort in different parts of the abdomen often subside after passing stools (motions or faeces) or wind. The pain is like a 'spasm' or 'colic' which can range from mild to severe.
• Bloating and swelling of the abdomen, with more frequent passing of wind.
• Bouts of diarrhoea, and/or constipation.
• Stools become small and pellet-like or watery and thin. Mucus is often passed with stools.
• Feelings of not fully emptying the rectum after going to the toilet.
• A sense of ‘urgency', and a need to get to the toilet quickly. More common in the morning.

Other possible symptoms

Nausea, headaches, poor appetite, tiredness, backache, heartburn, and irritable bladder symptoms.

 
What causes IBS?

The exact cause is not known. It involves overactivity in parts of the gut; the long muscular tube that goes from the mouth to the anus. The cause of this overactivity is not clear. One or more of the following may play a part:

Overactivity of the nerves or muscles of the gut. 

Stress or emotional upset may play a role. 

Intolerance to certain foods. 

The onset of symptoms may follow a bout of gastroenteritis. 

Treatment for IBS 

Simply knowing about IBS may help to lessen any anxiety about the condition, which may ease the severity of symptoms.

Symptoms often settle for long periods without any treatment. In some cases, symptoms are mild and do not require any treatment.

If symptoms are more troublesome or frequent, one or more of the following may help.

• Drink lots of water, preferably two litres a day
• Monitor dietary intake and avoid foods that seem to make the symptoms worse
• Eat more fibre
• Avoid large meals, and eat at regular times
• Limit your alcohol intake
• Reduce the amount of stress and learn new ways to relax
• Take regular exercise which helps to reduce stress
• Try to keep things in perspective and not worry too much about digestive problems

For more severe and persistent symptoms, the following may also be useful:

• Antispasmodic medicines – to relax the muscles of the gut wall
• Antidepressant medicines – especially useful for symptoms of pain and diarrhoea
• Psychological treatments including hypnotherapy – to explore, reframe and de/reconstruct situations that are causing anxiety and stress, and to use psychological strategies to manage/prevent symptoms appearing or worsening.
• Other treatments – complementary & alternative therapies e.g., acupuncture and naturopathy.

Long-term outlook 

For most people, the condition tends to persist long-term. However, the severity of symptoms is changeable often with long spells without any symptoms, or with only mild symptoms. Treatment can often help to ease symptoms when they flare up. 

IBS is not a life-threatening condition and cannot result in cancer or serious intestinal disease.

Where to go for help 

There is no test to confirm a diagnosis of IBS, but from the typical symptoms, a doctor will be able to provide a diagnosis and refer you to a specialist if appropriate.

 Read Maria's story on how hypnotherapy helped her manage her IBS symptoms.