Irritable bowel syndrome - Introduction

IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) is a common condition of the digestive system and can cause bouts of stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation.

There's no cure for IBS, but the symptoms can be relieved by changing your diet and lifestyle. Sometimes medication can help, too.

IBS isn't a dangerous condition. There's no obvious abnormality of the bowel, and, although it can feel uncomfortable, the condition poses no serious threat to your health. For example, it won't increase your chances of developing cancer or other bowel conditions.

The precise cause of IBS is unclear, but it may be triggered by stress, problems with your immune system or a problem with how the muscles of your gut squeeze food through your bowel.

The symptoms of IBS usually come on for the first time between the ages of 20 and 30. They're not usually continuous, but tend to come and go in bouts, often during times of stress or after eating certain foods.

The symptoms can vary from one person to another and be worse in some people than others.

But most people experience either diarrhoea or constipation or bouts of both, and sometimes notice mucus in their stools. It's also common to find that painful cramps ease after you've been to the toilet to open your bowels.

When to see a doctor

If you think you could have IBS, make an appointment to see your GP.

Your doctor will want to make sure that it is IBS that you have and not another more serious illness, such as food allergy, an infection or an overactive thyroid gland.

Your GP will probably ask you to describe your symptoms and whether there is a pattern to them, for instance if they come on when you're under more stress than usual or after eating certain foods. Your GP may ask you to keep a food diary to see if diet affects your symptoms.

You'll only need further tests if you have certain "red flag" symptoms indicating that you may have a more serious condition than IBS. These symptoms include:

• unexplained weight loss
• a swelling or lump in your abdomen or back passage
• bleeding from your back passage (bottom)
• anaemia

Read more about how IBS is diagnosed.

How IBS is treated

IBS is unpredictable. You may go for many months without any symptoms, and then have a sudden flare-up.

IBS can be painful, debilitating and reduce your quality of life. However, with treatment there's no reason why you shouldn't expect to live a normal, full and active life.

Treatment involves medication and changing your diet and lifestyle. Sometimes talking treatments such as counselling and hypnotherapy can help, too.

Find out more about how IBS is treated.

Who is affected?

IBS is one of the most common digestive conditions. It's thought that 10%-20% of people experience IBS at some point. It's twice as common in women as in men.

Read the real-life story of a man who has struggled with IBS for 20 years to find out how he copes with the condition.