The Symptoms, Causes and Treatment of IBS

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive condition that impacts as many as one-third of people in the UK. While IBS can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful, it isn’t life-threatening. Managing IBS symptoms can feel challenging, but with the appropriate approach, relief is within reach. 

Here we’ll cover the types of IBS, its causes and triggers, how it’s diagnosed, and the available treatments to help you find relief and live more comfortably. 

IBS Symptoms 

IBS symptoms vary widely among individuals, often fluctuating from day to day. These symptoms tend to come in bouts, also known as flares, which may last for days, weeks, or even months. Flares are often triggered by stress, certain foods, or other factors. 

Common IBS symptoms include: 

• Abdominal pain and tummy cramps, often relieved after a bowel movement 

• Feeling unable to fully empty your bowels after using the toilet 

• Constipation 

• Diarrhoea 

• Constipation and diarrhoea 

• Bloating 

• Excessive wind (flatulence) 

Other symptoms include: 

• Discharge of mucus from the rectum   

• Fatigue and reduced energy levels   

• Nausea   

• Lower back pain 

• Issues with urination, including frequent bathroom visits, sudden urges, and the feeling of incomplete bladder evacuation   

• Difficulty controlling bowel movements   

Types of IBS 

There are three main types of IBS: 

1. IBS with diarrhoea (IBS-D) 

2. IBS with constipation (IBS-C) 

3. IBS mixed (IBS-M) 

IBS Causes and Triggers 

The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but research suggests that a variety of factors may contribute to its development: 

IBS may be linked to: 

• Food passing too quickly or too slowly through the digestive system. 

• Oversensitive nerves in the gut 

• Stress 

• A family history of IBS 

Common IBS Triggers 

If you have IBS, certain things may trigger symptoms,  

such as: 

• Gluten-containing foods 

• Dairy  

• Stress and anxiety 

• Periods 

Keeping a food and symptom diary can help identify which triggers are specific to you. 

 How is IBS Diagnosed? 

IBS is diagnosed based on a detailed medical history and symptom analysis, as there’s no single test for the condition.  

Your healthcare provider will likely ask about: 

• The nature and duration of your symptoms 

• Whether your symptoms occur after eating certain foods. 

• The frequency and severity of your symptoms 

• The last time you had your colon cancer screening 

Diagnostic Criteria 

A diagnosis of IBS is typically made when a person experiences abdominal pain or discomfort for at least six months, and the pain is either relieved by defecation or associated with changes in bowel habits (either increased or decreased frequency) or stool consistency (such as hard, lumpy, loose, or watery). 

Additionally, the diagnosis requires that the abdominal pain or discomfort is accompanied by at least two of the following symptoms: 

1. Altered stool passage (including straining, urgency, or a feeling of incomplete evacuation) 

2. Abdominal bloating (which is more common in women than men), distension, tension, or hardness 

3. Symptoms that worsen after eating 

4. Passage of mucus 

5. Other conditions with similar symptoms have been ruled out 

Additional tests, such as blood or stool samples, may be performed to rule out other conditions like coeliac disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), or Bowel Cancer. 

IBS Treatments and Prevention Tips 

 While IBS is a chronic condition, its symptoms can often be managed through lifestyle and dietary changes. 

Lifestyle Adjustments for IBS Relief  

• Stay Hydrated 

Drink 6–8 glasses of water daily. 

• Exercise Regularly 

Gentle activities like walking or yoga can help regulate bowel movements. 

• Manage Stress 

Techniques like mindfulness, meditation, or counselling can help reduce IBS flares caused by stress. 

 Dietary Changes 

Your diet should be tailored to your specific symptoms: 

• For Constipation:  

Increase your fibre intake gradually by eating fruits, vegetables, oats, and whole grains. 

• For Diarrhoea:  

Reduce fibre intake and limit foods like caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and high-fat meals. 

A low FODMAP diet, guided by a dietitian, can also help manage symptoms for some individuals. This involves reducing specific fermentable carbohydrates that may trigger IBS. 

Medication for IBS 

Certain medicines can also help manage specific symptoms of IBS. Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to relieve these symptoms. 

Antispasmodic drugs may be used to treat abdominal pain or spasm in IBS. 

If you experience significant abdominal pain alongside depression and anxiety, your doctor may prescribe antidepressants such as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). 

For constipation, laxatives can be used, while anti-diarrheal medications help firm stools.  

Always consult a medical professional before starting any medications.