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Tagged Food allergies & intolerance, Diet; Posted 6 years ago by Bunmi Scott

What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) causes pain or discomfort in the stomach, it is a long term condition. Symptoms can differ depending on the individual, but they can come and go. Sometimes lasting a few days to a few months at a time, often during times of stress or after eating certain foods. IBS can be uncomfortable. The cause of IBS is unknown.

Other symptoms someone with IBS may have include:

  • feeling tired
  • indigestion
  • feeling sick
  • backache
  • tiredness
  • problems with your bladder, e.g. needing to urinate more frequently

Some people have to get to the toilet very quickly. An urgent need to go to the toilet several times shortly after getting up is common. This is often during and after breakfast.

Symptoms can frequently occur in other parts of the body. This can include; muscle and joint pains, ringing in the ears, indigestion, belching, nausea, shortness of breath, anxiety and depression.

If you have had any of the following symptoms for at least six months, your GP will consider assessing you for IBS:

  • abdominal (stomach) pain or discomfort
  • bloating
  • a change in bowel habit – such as passing stools more frequently, diarrhoea and/or constipation

It’s possible for IBS to develop at any age, although usually people experience their first symptoms between the ages of 20 and 30.

According to Bupa, “About two in 10 people in the UK have IBS. Women are twice as likely to get it as men.”

IBS can be unpredictable. Someone with IBS can go months without any pain or discomfort and then can suddenly have symptoms.

Stress is a common issue for someone with IBS because it can make symptoms worse.

There are several treatment options:

  • Lifestyle changes – exercise, managing stress levels and keeping a symptom diary
  • Dietary – restricting the amount of fizzy drinks you consume, drink more water, have regular meals, etc

There are no cures for IBS, although it may help to:

  • identify and avoid foods or drinks that may trigger your symptoms
  • alter the amount of fibre in your diet
  • exercise regularly
  • work on reducing your stress levels

If you suspect you may have IBS, make sure you see a healthcare professional and they will help you work out what the issue is. In some cases, conditions such as coeliac disease can be mis-diagnosed as IBS.