Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): symptoms, triggers and control

Medically reviewed by Dr. Noor Hussam Abu-Farsakh — Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common digestive disorders. It is a disorder of gut function and gut–brain interaction, not a disease that damages the colon. It is not dangerous, but it can strongly affect quality of life.

Symptoms

• Abdominal pain or cramps related to bowel movements.
• Bloating and wind.
• Constipation, diarrhoea, or both alternating.
• A feeling of incomplete emptying.

What triggers it?

There is no single cause; gut hypersensitivity, altered motility, stress and anxiety, certain foods and previous gut infections all play a role.

How is it diagnosed?

IBS is diagnosed from symptoms using defined criteria, with simple blood and stool tests to rule out conditions such as coeliac disease and inflammatory bowel disease. Not everyone needs endoscopy, but it is essential when warning signs are present.

Treatment

Treatment starts with diet: regular meals, enough water, soluble fibre such as psyllium, and in some cases a low-FODMAP diet under supervision. Exercise and stress management matter.

Medication depends on the main symptom: antispasmodics for pain, medicines for constipation or diarrhoea, and sometimes gut-brain neuromodulators.

Warning signs needing review and endoscopy

• Blood in the stool or anaemia.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Symptoms starting after age 50.
• Symptoms waking you from sleep.
• Family history of bowel cancer or inflammatory bowel disease.

This article is for health education and does not replace medical advice.