Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive condition that affects between 10 and 20% of people in the UK. Everyone has tummy trouble at one time or another. The difference with IBS is that bouts of diarrhoea, constipation, or both, keep coming back.

Symptoms of Irritable bowel syndrome

IBS has a range of symptoms, most commonly: stomach ache and a change in bowel habits. You may have; diarrhoea, constipation, or both, cramps in the lower abdomen, frequent toilet trips, hard or loose stools, excess wind and a visibly bloated tummy.

Symptoms often worsen after eating. Some people have related issues such as urinary or sexual problems. IBS is usually diagnosed as one of three types: 'diarrhoea predominant', 'constipation predominant', or an alternating pattern of both, depending on the symptoms.

What causes IBS?

The specific cause of IBS is not known but it's associated with increased sensitivity in the digestive system, perhaps triggered by a bout of food poisoning or stress. The nerves relay information to the brain signalling hunger, fullness or the need to go to the toilet. In IBS, it's thought these signals may be misread, causing abnormal intestinal muscle contractions, or spasms.

Who's at risk of IBS?

IBS often starts between 20 and 30 years of age, even though it is also prevalent in older people and anyone at any age can be affected. It's twice as common in women and more likely to affect people with a family history of IBS. Fits of IBS are sometimes linked to bouts of anxiety or depression.

Living with IBS

Living with IBS can take a heavy toll on your everyday life. Coping with attacks of frequent, urgent diarrhoea, may make you reluctant to go out and it may be especially difficult to commute to work or travel long distances by car or by air. Explore ways to reduce stress. Planning can help. Find out where the toilets are if you are headed to an event.

What triggers IBS?

Common triggers of IBS include: eating certain food or drink, stress, hormonal changes and certain medicines. It's important to identify your personal triggers, for example, by keeping a food diary to record what sets off a bout of IBS.

Treating IBS: Constipation medication

Your doctor may prescribe a bulk-forming laxative that increases the density and softness of the stool making it easier to pass. NICE recommends that people should be discouraged from taking Lactulose, an osmotic laxative.

Treating IBS: Peppermint oil

Some people use peppermint oil as a natural remedy for IBS. The oil is antispasmodic and relaxes the muscles in the bowels, and some studies suggest it may improve symptoms, including pain and bloating.

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