Disclaimer: This is general health information only and is not a substitute for advice from your GP or healthcare professional.
1. What is irritable bowel syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder that affects how the bowel works. It causes recurrent abdominal pain associated with changes in bowel habits, without any identifiable structural disease on routine testing.
2. What causes irritable bowel syndrome?
The exact cause of IBS is not fully understood. It is thought to involve a combination of altered gut–brain interaction, abnormal gut motility, visceral hypersensitivity, changes in the gut microbiome, and psychosocial factors such as stress or anxiety. Symptoms may also develop after a gastrointestinal infection.
3. What are the common symptoms of IBS?
Common symptoms include recurrent abdominal pain, bloating, excess gas, and changes in bowel habits such as diarrhoea, constipation, or alternating between the two. Symptoms often improve after passing stool and may fluctuate over time.
4. How is IBS diagnosed?
IBS is diagnosed based on clinical criteria, most commonly the Rome IV criteria, which require recurrent abdominal pain at least one day per week for the past three months, associated with changes in stool frequency or form. Tests may be performed to exclude other conditions, especially if there are warning signs such as weight loss or anaemia.
5. Is IBS serious?
IBS is not life-threatening and does not increase the risk of bowel cancer or inflammatory bowel disease. However, it can significantly affect quality of life due to chronic symptoms and their impact on daily activities.
6. How is IBS treated?
Treatment is individualised and focuses on symptom control. It may include dietary changes such as a low-FODMAP diet, fibre modification, medications to manage diarrhoea or constipation, treatments for abdominal pain, and strategies to address stress and gut–brain interaction.
7. Can IBS be cured?
There is currently no cure for IBS, but symptoms can often be well managed with the right combination of diet, lifestyle measures, and medication. Many people experience periods of improvement and flare-ups over time.
8. When should I see a doctor?
You should see a doctor if you have ongoing abdominal pain, bloating, or changes in bowel habits, especially if symptoms are new, worsening, or associated with red-flag features such as unexplained weight loss, bleeding, anaemia, or symptoms that wake you from sleep.
9. Are there different types of IBS?
Yes, IBS is commonly classified into subtypes based on bowel habits. These include IBS with predominant diarrhoea (IBS-D), IBS with predominant constipation (IBS-C), mixed IBS (IBS-M), and unclassified IBS.
10. What are the possible complications of IBS?
IBS does not cause physical damage to the bowel, but complications can include reduced quality of life, anxiety, depression, work or social impairment, and nutritional issues if diets become overly restrictive without guidance.