Irritable Bowel Syndrome

IBS is a long-term gut condition where the bowel becomes sensitive and reacts strongly to triggers like food, stress or hormones. Flare ups happen when the gut muscles tighten or slow down, causing cramps, bloating and bowel changes. Managing triggers and using targeted treatments often reduces flare up frequency.

IBS symptoms include bloating, cramps and bowel changes that come and go. Symptoms that involve bleeding, unexplained weight loss or constant pain may point to something else and need medical review. Keeping a diary of foods and symptoms can help identify patterns typical of IBS.

IBS flare ups are often triggered by stress, high-fat meals, caffeine, spicy foods, alcohol, large portions or poor sleep. Some people react to dairy, wheat or processed foods. Identifying patterns helps reduce flare ups, and targeted IBS treatments can help control unpredictable symptoms.

The best treatment depends on your main symptoms. Antispasmodics help cramps, peppermint oil can ease bloating and fibre supplements may help constipation. Some people benefit from prescription treatments when symptoms remain stubborn. A personalised plan is usually most effective.

Some IBS treatments work within hours, such as antispasmodics for cramping. Supplements like fibre or probiotics may take a few weeks. Long-term symptom control often involves a mix of diet checks, trigger management and medication, so improvements are usually gradual rather than instant.

People with IBS often react to high-fat foods, onions, garlic, beans, caffeine, alcohol, fizzy drinks and certain artificial sweeteners. Keeping a diary helps spot personal triggers, and some may benefit from a structured diet plan such as avoiding certain types carbohydrates.

You should seek advice if symptoms change suddenly, become severe or include bleeding, fever, constant pain or unexplained weight loss. These are not typical of IBS and may need further checks. A doctor can also help if symptoms persist despite lifestyle changes.

Yes. Stress can cause the gut to tighten and become more reactive, which makes cramps, bloating and bowel changes worse. Managing stress through sleep, relaxation techniques or routine planning often reduces flare ups. Some people find symptoms improve when stress and food triggers are addressed together. 

Yes. Many people with IBS experience daily bloating because trapped gas and sensitive gut nerves make the abdomen feel swollen. Smaller meals, slow eating and targeted IBS treatments can reduce daily bloating. Persistent or painful bloating should be reviewed by a clinician.

Planning ahead helps - pack suitable snacks, keep water available and avoid trigger foods before long journeys or important meetings. Some people take antispasmodics or peppermint oil with them for quick symptom control. A predictable routine often keeps flare ups more manageable.

Some probiotics help reduce bloating and irregular bowel habits, but results vary between people and products. They often need several weeks before improvement is noticeable. Supplements work best when combined with trigger management and other IBS treatments. 

Yes. Both conditions can cause bloating, cramps and loose stools. If symptoms consistently occur after dairy, lactose intolerance may be involved. Using a symptom diary or trying a short lactose-free trial can help clarify triggers.

IBS does not usually disappear, but many people find long-term control by managing triggers and using the right treatments. Symptoms often improve significantly over time, especially with stable routines, diet awareness and targeted medicines when needed.

IBS itself does not directly cause major weight change, but eating less during flare ups may lead to weight loss, while comfort eating during stressful phases may lead to weight gain. Unexplained significant weight change needs medical review.

IBS-C is constipation-dominant, IBS-D is diarrhoea-dominant and mixed IBS involves alternating patterns. Each type responds differently to diet adjustments and treatments, so identifying your pattern helps tailor the best plan.