It is a common condition that affects the digestive system. It causes symptoms like stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation. These tend to come and go over time, and can last for days, weeks or months at a time. There’s no test for IBS, but you might need some tests to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms such as coeliac disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
It’s usually a lifelong problem and there’s no specific treatment to cure, but diet changes and medicines can often help control the symptoms. You can keep a diary of what you eat and any symptoms you get, and try to avoid things that trigger your IBS. Finding ways to relax and performing regular exercises are good ways to improve your symptoms. Probiotics which are thought to help restore the natural balance of bacteria in your gut, can be tried for a month to see if they help.
The exact cause of IBS is unknown. it’s been linked to things like food passing through your gut too quickly or too slowly, oversensitive nerves in your gut, stress and a family history of IBS.