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Read more about the symptoms of IBS. Your GP may be able to identify IBS based on your symptoms, although blood tests may be needed to rule out other conditions. Read more about diagnosing IBS. The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but most experts think that it's related to increased sensitivity of the gut and problems digesting food. Read more about the causes of IBS. Read more about treating IBS. You may go for many months without any symptoms, then have a sudden flare-up. These problems rarely improve without treatment and your GP can recommend treatments such as antidepressants or cognitive behavioural therapy CBT , which can help you cope with IBS, as well as directly treating the condition.
With appropriate medical and psychological treatment, you should be able to live a normal, full and active life with IBS.
After this time, the symptoms usually improve, but may not disappear completely. Read more about IBS triggers. In addition to the main symptoms, some people with IBS experience a number of other problems. The symptoms of IBS can also have a significant impact on a person's day-to-day life and can have a deep psychological impact. As a result, many people with the condition have feelings of depression and anxiety.
The exact cause of irritable bowel syndrome IBS is unknown, but most experts think that it's related to problems with digestion and increased sensitivity of the gut. It has also been suggested that problems such as bile acid malabsorption where bile produced by the liver builds up in the digestive system may be responsible for some cases of IBS. For example, nerves in your digestive system relay signals to your brain to let you know if you are hungry or full, or if you need to go to the toilet. Intense emotional states such as stress and anxiety can trigger chemical changes that interfere with the normal workings of the digestive system.
This does not just happen in people with IBS. Some people with IBS have experienced a traumatic event, usually during their childhood, such as abuse, neglect, a serious childhood illness or bereavement. Triggers vary from person to person, but common ones include:. Stress is another common trigger of IBS symptoms. There are no specific tests for IBS, as it does not cause any obvious detectable abnormalities in your digestive system.
Many cases of IBS can be diagnosed based on your symptoms alone, although sometimes further tests may be needed to check for other possible causes. A sample of your stools will also often be tested for the presence of a substance called calprotectin. This substance is produced by the gut when it is inflamed, and its presence in your stools could mean your symptoms are being caused by inflammatory bowel disease IBD.
In these cases, your doctor may recommend having a colonoscopy to check for abnormalities in your gut. However, there is no "one size fits all" diet for people with the condition. It may be helpful to keep a food diary and record whether certain foods make your symptoms better or worse. You can then avoid foods that trigger your symptoms.
People with IBS are often advised to modify the amount of fibre in their diet. If you have diarrhoea , you may find it helps to cut down on the insoluble fibre you eat. It may also help to avoid the skin, pith and pips from fruit and vegetables. This means they start to ferment in the gut relatively quickly, and the gases released during this process can lead to bloating. You can ask your GP or specialist to refer you.
Many people find that exercise helps to relieve the symptoms of IBS.
Your GP can advise you on the type of exercise that is suitable for you. Aim to do a minimum of minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as cycling or fast walking, every week.
Reducing your stress levels may also reduce the frequency and severity of your IBS symptoms. Because the causes of IBS are not clear, it is difficult to find suitable treatments. But research has suggested that at least some medications and treatments may help. Treatments for IBS include:.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Becoming Symptom Free! - Kindle edition by R.F. Hoch. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. Learn which symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are also symptoms of Drug-free treatments like hypnosis and learning to relax can help manage lifestyle changes, like getting more rest and watching what you eat.
Because medications in particular can have a number of side effects and sometimes even make the symptoms worse, it is worth carefully considering the potential advantages and disadvantages of taking them. Most people who have a milder form of IBS cope quite well with it. Yet for some the symptoms are so strong that it has a big impact on their quality of life. Some people are never really sure when they will need to go to the toilet, and they feel that they have lost control over their body. This can make everyday life very difficult because meals and appointments have to be carefully coordinated to get the timing right.
This makes it nearly impossible to be spontaneous. People often feel ashamed too. No one enjoys talking about intestinal problems, and many are embarrassed about needing to go to the toilet so often or passing a lot of wind. But most people find ways to live with IBS without it affecting their lives too much. It is sometimes the little things that make day-to-day life easier and help you to stop worrying all the time. For instance, bringing along your own food to a party, finding out right away where the bathroom is, or taking an aisle seat at the movies.
IQWiG health information is written with the aim of helping people understand the advantages and disadvantages of the main treatment options and health care services. Because IQWiG is a German institute, some of the information provided here is specific to the German health care system.
The suitability of any of the described options in an individual case can be determined by talking to a doctor. We do not offer individual consultations. Our information is based on the results of good-quality studies. It is written by a team of health care professionals, scientists and editors, and reviewed by external experts.
You can find a detailed description of how our health information is produced and updated in our methods.
Turn recording back on. National Center for Biotechnology Information , U. Show details Cologne, Germany: Introduction The typical symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome IBS include abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhea. Symptoms The typical symptoms of IBS include persistent upper or lower abdominal pain, cramps, and changes in the consistency of stool.
Causes IBS mostly affects the large intestine. Prevalence IBS mostly affects people between the ages of 35 and Diagnosis There are several different medical criteria for diagnosing IBS. According to specialist medical associations in Germany, someone is considered to have irritable bowel syndrome if symptoms such as abdominal pain or bloating last for more than three months and are usually connected with changes in bowel movements, such as more or less frequent bowel movements, diarrhea or constipation,.
Treatment There are a lot of different opinions about what can help relieve irritable bowel syndrome. Treatments for IBS include: Fiber supplements, for instance made from psyllium. Various medications, such as antibiotics or antidepressants. Everyday life Most people who have a milder form of IBS cope quite well with it.
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J Adv Nurs ; 65 8: More about Irritable bowel syndrome. Clear Turn Off Turn On.