Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects the digestive system. It is thought to affect around 1 in 10 people in the UK. It is linked to how the gut and brain communicate, and to a gut that is more sensitive than usual.
Symptoms
Symptoms often come and go:
- tummy pain or cramps, often better after pooing
- bloating
- diarrhoea, constipation, or both
- feeling you have not fully emptied your bowels
- mucus in your poo
- tiredness, feeling sick, backache and needing to pee often
Common triggers
- certain foods and drinks, such as alcohol, caffeine, fizzy drinks, fatty or spicy food
- stress and anxiety
- hormonal changes, such as periods
Getting diagnosed
There is no single test for IBS. Your GP will ask about your symptoms and do tests to rule out other conditions, such as a blood test for coeliac disease and a poo test called calprotectin to check for inflammation.
Read about IBS treatment.
Common questions
Is IBS serious?
IBS does not damage the gut or lead to cancer, but it can have a big effect on daily life. It is a real condition, not "all in the mind".
Is IBS the same as IBD?
No. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, causes inflammation and damage to the gut. IBS does not.
Sources we used
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