IBS Symptoms - Irritable Bowel Syndrome Info
Check your symptoms with the IBS Symptom checker What causes IBS?
Take a look at popular IBS triggers
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Food with a high fat content can increase the strength of intestinal contractions, which can be especially bad for those with diarrhoea
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Fibre comes in two types – insoluble and soluble. Make sure you know the difference!
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Drinking plenty of water will help soften and expand stools, helping both C and D types of IBS.
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By keeping a food diary , you can keep track of your diet and identify foods that might cause symptoms
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Alcohol is a known stomach irritant, but different kinds of alcohol may affect you in different ways.
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It’s not just the caffeine in coffee that can trigger IBS. There are more than 1000 other chemical compounds in there too.
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Bacteria can be your digestive system’s best friends. Make sure your microflora balance is right.
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Pills can irritate an empty stomach. Unless instructed otherwise, take pills after eating.
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Up to 50% of IBS sufferers have a psychological component to their condition
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The gut is controlled by the Enteric Nervous System (ENS), the operation of which isn’t yet fully understood.
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Anxiety and stress can have a serious impact on the symptoms of IBS
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High-impact exercise like running can worsen IBS diarrhoea symptoms
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IBS is a very personal syndrome. Something that is a calmative for you may be anathema to another sufferer.
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Roughly 2 in 3 IBS sufferers are female. It is estimated that somewhere between 9% and 24% of all people suffer IBS at some point in their lives.
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IBS can only be diagnosed by a medical professional.
If you suspect you may be suffering from IBS, it’s recommended that you see your doctor. IBS is a fairly common condition and your GP will see cases like yours on a weekly basis, so talk to him or her for advice if you have some or all of the symptoms below.
The UK National Institute of Clinical Excellence advises GP’s to check for IBS if you experience any of the ’ABC’ symptoms listed below for at least 6 months:
- Abdominal pain or cramps
- Bloating
- Change in bowel movements – diarrhoea, constipation or both
Other less common symptoms include:
- Excess wind and gas
- Feeling like you haven’t fully emptied your bowels
- Occasional other symptoms like nausea, tiredness, muscle, back or joint pain
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© McNeil Healthcare (UK) Ltd, 2012
This site is published by McNeil Healthcare (UK) Ltd which is solely responsible for its contents. It is intended for a UK audience.
Last updated on: 22nd February 2012