Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, commonly known as IBS, is a benign condition of the gastrointestinal tract. It is sometimes referred to as "spastic colon."

Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome‍

The symptoms of IBS can vary but commonly include:

• Abdominal bloating or discomfort
• Abdominal cramping
• Constipation
• Diarrhea

Certain factors such as heightened stress, diet, and travel can contribute to changes in bowel patterns. Additionally, pelvic floor muscle spasms can cause discomfort and pain during bowel movements.

It is important to note that IBS is a diagnosis of exclusion. This means that more serious conditions, such as bowel cancer, must be ruled out before diagnosing IBS. A colonoscopy and gastroscopy may be required to exclude other conditions (see link to Endoscopy)

Treatment
A comprehensive understanding of the patient’s bowel history is essential to identify potential triggers for IBS.

• Reassurance and Diagnosis: For some patients, simply acknowledging the diagnosis and providing reassurance may suffice.
• Identifying Triggers: Understanding triggers such as stress can help manage symptoms. Keeping a food diary may assist in identifying patterns and specific food triggers, which can then be avoided to improve symptoms.
• Fibre Supplementation: While fibre supplementation can alleviate constipation in some people, it may cause abdominal bloating and discomfort in others.
• Dietary Modifications: Dietary changes, such as adopting a FODMAP diet, can be recommended to improve symptoms (see link to FODMAP).