Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
goodtoknow says: Around one in five adults has IBS right now and it affects twice as many women as men. IBS has a huge range of symptoms. Constipation, diarrhoea, bloating and nausea are most common. IBS can be painful and there's no clear reason why it happens but it isn't serious, it won't damage your gut and it doesn't lead to cancer. However it's best to see your GP if you think you have it so other conditions can be ruled out. Treatments vary from anti spasmodic drugs, to hypnotherapy and dietary changes.
For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) from patient.co.uk, read on.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gut disorder. The cause is not known. Symptoms can be quite variable and include abdominal pain, bloating, and sometimes bouts of diarrhoea and/or constipation. Symptoms tend to 'come and go'. There is no 'cure' for IBS, but symptoms can often be eased with treatment.
What is irritable bowel syndrome and who gets it?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common 'functional' disorder of the gut. (The gut includes the bowels.) A functional disorder is one where there is a problem with the function of a part of the body, but were there is no abnormality in the structure. So, in IBS, the function of the gut is upset, but all parts of the gut look normal, even when looked at under a microscope.
IBS causes abdominal pain and other symptoms (listed below). Up to 1 in 5 people in the UK develop IBS at some stage in their life. IBS can affect anyone at any age, but it commonly first develops in young adults and teenagers. Women are affected more often than men.
- Next: What are the symptoms of IBS?
More help and advice
- Expert Jane Clarke on irritable bowels
- Tips on keeping IBS under control
- Real life: 'How keeping a food diary helped my IBS'
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Daniela Dufon, about 1 year
my ibs start in the morning and it give me so much pain what can i do about ?? please help life is bad with it
Report this commentAnn, about 1 year
Does any one else suffer from a sore mouth and constant heartburn with their ibs as i seem to if so any ideas on how to control it
Report this commenttina clarke, about 1 year
hi, i have suffered wit IBS for more years than i can remember, i have just turned 40 and thought i cant cope wit the constant diarrhoea any more, it causes so many social problems, and i often avoid goin out for the day, either wit family or friends!! until recently i was invited to go away for the weekend!! i had no excuse other than my bowel problems and i so wanted to go. so i went along to the doctors and really laid it on heavy how things were. i was diagnosed wit severe IBS, anyway the doctor started me on fybogel meberevine, 1 sachet a day and for the first couple of weeks 1 imodium morning and night and then down to 1 imodium in morn, and WOW my life has so changed for the better, my stomach has really calmed down and bowel movement are so much better. im not so nervous or anxious now and feef alot more confident, i,m not saying its perfect but 80% better. after all even normal people (as i call them) i'm sure have bad bowel days!!!!
Report this commentKayley, about 1 year
Ive been drinking those little yoghurt drinks, yakult vitiality etc, and there amazing i haven't had problems in ages.
Report this commentconnie, over 2 years
I am currently taking pysllium husks fibre solution (from health food shops) and that does aid me in going to the toilet except it can be what I call "fibre overkill" because one glass of husks mixed with water and juice followed by one glass of water can make me go to the toilet 3 times in a row, leaving my stomach kind of "shocked", painful and unsettled. I have recently had the burning sensation mentioned above and thought it was from sitting too long. I'm amazed that it may be related to my IBS.
Report this commentMichael Mahoney, over 2 years
Hello, About the emotional aspects of IBS. I found your various articles of great informational value. I do think however more should be discussed and recognised on the emotional aspects of IBS. As one of your articles mentions there is an emotional impact on the individual with IBS. However these can often be as debilitating as the physical symptom presentations. As a medical centre based clinical hypnotherapist and author of the IBS Audio Program 100 it is not uncommon for IBS sufferers to have diminishing self esteem, low confidence, social fears, low or no existant s** drive, memory, concentration and recall are often lower too, as our emotional reserves become ever more depleted, ever increasing anxiety and fear all compound the physical aspects of the IBS conditon. As every thought has a physical response, it makes sense, and thousands of my patients over the years have found, that by managing both emotional and physical presentations at the same time, often leads to greater success an higher quality of life outcomes.
Report this commentcaroline, over 2 years
hi , i have had ibs for 4-5 years ,have a friend that is a nutritionist , recommends taking daily acidophilius to help good backteria in the gut , also cut down on carbs as this usually triggers a pain , dont let yourself get constipated ,(try an aloe vera based laxitive ) and try peppermint oil capsules (available in pharmacy /health food stores) as an alternative to codine based products .I started yoga which i would recommend to anyone with stomach/digestive /bowel problems !
Report this commentHazel Isabella Amelia Sommers, over 2 years
Hi I also have IBS. I find that cabbage upsets me with this complaint. I also find that family stress and emotional stress really upsets this complaint. I always feel bloated all the time with it. It doesn't matter how much I am careful with my eating habits. Hazel
Report this commentJOYCE LEE, over 2 years
HI IHAVE HAD IBS SINCE MY EARLY 20S NOW AT 64 IT IS GOING WORSE IT IS EVERY DAY AND MY DOC DOES NOT SEEM TO KNOW WHAT TO GIVE ME ONLY CODINE IT REALY IS GETTING TO ME I AM AFRAID TO GO OUT SOME OF THE TIME AS I HAVE NOT MUCH WARNING I BEEN TOLD TO TRY SOLOUBLE FIBRE IS THIS OK JOYCE
Report this commentNicky Clark, over 2 years
Hello. Thanks this has helped me alot, but i would like to ask whether a burning sensation (red hot poker) up my buttocks is a symptom. Everything else you have described i have, but this extra one was bugging me. Was really helpful & informative & was nice to have backup to prove to my husband that it wasnt in my imagination!! Thanks, Nicky.
Report this commentjulie lorraine moxon, over 2 years
hi i have ibs but every time i eat healthy it makes me worse as my belly tends to get worse can u help me me please thamk julie
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John, 3 months
IBS is one of three bowel problem 'diseases', along with Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease. The severity of each varies widely and there is much overlap in the amount of discomfort endured. Can I suggest to everyone who suffers from any one of these problems that they join their local (County) group of the National Association for Colitis and Crohn's Disease (NACC). For instance, I belong to the 'Norfolk and East Suffolk Group'. It won't cure your problems but it will put you in touch with many local people with similar problems, to provide information, support and encouragement.
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