IBS: Causes, symptoms, and treatments

What is IBS?

IBS is short for irritable bowel syndrome, a condition that affects the digestive system. It causes intermittent symptoms that are often referred to as IBS flare-ups. You might notice an onset or worsening of symptoms after eating certain foods for example or if you’re experiencing more stress than usual. National charity Guts UK describes the different types of IBS that are characterised by the bowel movement symptoms people have. It estimates that approximately one-third of IBS patients experience constipation, one-third have diarrhoea-like symptoms, and the remaining third of patients don’t see any set pattern, typically reporting both constipation and diarrhoea.  

What causes IBS?

There’s no known definitive cause for IBS, but it’s thought that several biological and lifestyle factors can contribute to the onset of symptoms. Many people who experience IBS have what’s referred to as gut sensitivity. This means that the digestive system can be very reactive to certain stimulations or changes, often resulting in a flare-up of symptoms. Some evidence suggests that there may be a family link with IBS, so if you have a parent or sibling who lives with the condition, you could be more likely to also experience symptoms at some point. External factors such as stress and/or anxiety can trigger episodes of IBS symptoms, as can certain foods in some people. Everyone is different so the triggers for you may be different to those of someone else you know experiencing IBS. Types of food and drink commonly associated with IBS symptoms include alcohol, caffeine, and spicy or highly processed foods with a high fat content. Acute illnesses such as a bout of food poisoning or gastroenteritis (diarrhoea and vomiting bug) can also lead to recurring symptoms of IBS.

Key symptoms of IBS

Although IBS symptoms are different from person to person, you may find that your flare-ups include one or more of the following:

• Cramps and tummy pain after eating (this sometimes eases after a bowel movement)

• Sudden diarrhoea following a meal

• Constipation (difficulty going to the toilet, straining, or still feeling like you need to go after a bowel movement)

• A bloated, swollen, uncomfortable tummy

• Excess gas (flatulence)

• Tiredness and fatigue

• Mucus-like discharge from your bottom

These symptoms might vary from episode to episode, and if you’re speaking to your GP you might want to write down these symptoms, when they occurred, and how long they lasted. This will help the doctor to make a diagnosis and explore any other possible causes.

If you experience the following symptoms, seek urgent medical advice as these could be a sign of a more serious condition:

• Sudden, unexplained weight loss

• Blood in your poo or presence of blood when you wipe your bottom

• Swelling or a hard lump in your tummy

• Heart palpitations, shortness of breath and skin paleness (pallor)

Available treatment options for IBS

Although there isn’t a cure for IBS, many people living with the condition have methods for managing it. If you’ve recently started experiencing IBS symptoms, you might find it helpful to try a combination of the recommended options. Although IBS isn’t considered to pose a serious risk to health, it can sometimes feel overwhelming, and frustration is a normal response to developing a health condition. Try to be patient when trying different treatments and reach out for support if you’re struggling. The IBS Network offers a wide range of resources, support, and advice for anyone living with IBS.

Dietary guidance:

• Aim for a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fresh ingredients and home-cooked meals

• Moderate spicy foods, fatty foods, and highly processed foods like ready meals

• Try to stick within the recommended weekly limit for alcohol intake (14 units)

• Keep hydrated by drinking water, herbal teas, or sugar-free cordial, and limit tea and coffee to no more than three cups a day

• Take plenty of time to eat your meals

• Consider trying a probiotic for one month to see if it helps to alleviate your symptoms

Lifestyle suggestions:

• Try to incorporate 30 minutes of low to medium-intensity exercise into your daily routine. This can help with specific symptoms such as constipation and also help to reduce stress and boost mental wellbeing

• Keep a symptom diary – recording what you eat and what symptoms you experience for a period of time will help you keep track of specific dietary triggers

• Chat to your local pharmacist about over-the-counter medicines that can help to address specific symptoms such as constipation and diarrhoea

Further support

The NHS has put together an informative video that explores how to manage your IBS symptoms. You’ll also find more information in our Health Hub article that looks at eating well for IBS.