Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Illustration associated with irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a common and distressing condition that causes recurrent abdominal pain and discomfort together with a change in bowel function. This may involve diarrhoea, constipation, or a combination of both. It can affect men and women of all ages, although it is more common in younger people and is about twice as common in women as in men.

The main symptoms of IBS are recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort together with an alteration in bowel habit, such as diarrhoea, constipation, or both.

Less common symptoms may include:

• Feeling sick
• Headache
• Belching
• Poor appetite
• Feeling full quickly after eating
• Heartburn
• Bladder symptoms, sometimes described as an irritable bladder

Some people have occasional mild symptoms, while others have unpleasant symptoms over long periods. Many patients fall somewhere in between, with flare-ups from time to time.

IBS is sometimes referred to as a functional bowel disorder. Some people may also have heard it described informally as a spastic bowel or spastic colon.

The exact cause of IBS is not known. It is often described as a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning it is diagnosed after other causes of similar symptoms have been ruled out.

Infection, allergy and inflammation do not appear to be directly responsible for IBS. However, symptoms may be triggered or worsened by certain factors.

IBS is usually diagnosed after a careful review of symptoms and after other possible causes have been excluded where appropriate.

Because IBS is a diagnosis of exclusion, your doctor may recommend assessment or tests depending on your symptoms, age, and any warning signs that suggest another bowel condition.

A range of other bowel or digestive conditions can sometimes produce symptoms that overlap with IBS. That is why persistent, changing or concerning symptoms should be assessed properly rather than assumed to be IBS.

Your doctor may want to exclude other causes before confirming the diagnosis.

Treatment depends on the pattern of symptoms and on the factors that appear to trigger them. Common approaches include adjusting diet, identifying food triggers, and managing stress and anxiety where these appear to play a role.

Because IBS affects people differently, treatment is usually tailored to the individual rather than relying on one single approach for everyone.

IBS is common and can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms may come and go, with some people experiencing only occasional mild episodes and others having longer periods of troublesome symptoms.

Many people experience flare-ups from time to time rather than constant symptoms.

The Glasgow Colorectal Centre IBS page points patients to NHS information resources and also mentions an IBS information sheet available for download.

If you have further questions about IBS or other colorectal issues, your own GP is often the best first point of contact, and they can arrange referral to a colorectal specialist centre if appropriate.