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    4. Irritable Bowel Syndrome

    Irritable Bowel Syndrome

    Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects the digestive system. At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, our gastroenterology specialists can help diagnose IBS and manage symptoms.  

     

    • IBD is a form of chronic bowel inflammation that affects the digestive tract.

      The two main types of IBD are: 

      • Ulcerative colitis, which affects the colon and rectum
      • Crohn’s disease, which can affect any part of the digestive tract

      IBD is a long-term condition, but treatment can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. 

    • IBS symptoms are often manageable, but some more severe symptoms require medical evaluation. 

      Speak with your doctor if you experience: 

      • Unexplained weight loss
      • Vomiting without a clear cause
      • Rectal bleeding
      • Diarrhea during the night
      • Persistent or severe abdominal pain

    • Doctors often classify IBS based on the symptom you experience most often. 

      Types of IBS include: 

      • IBS-C - you mostly experience constipation
      • IBS-D - you mostly experience diarrhea
      • IBS-M - you experience mixed bowel habits

      Identifying the type of IBS you have helps guide treatment and symptom management. 

    • The causes of IBS are not fully understood, but there are several factors that can contribute.  

      Factors that may contribute to IBS symptoms include: 

      • Muscle contractions in the intestine, which impact the movement of food through the digestive system
      • Nervous system changes, which can make the digestive tract more sensitive
      • Infections, including previous stomach or intestinal infections that can trigger symptoms

    • IBS symptoms can be triggered by: 

      • Stress, which can affect how your digestive system functions
      • Certain foods, such as dairy products, gluten, and other foods that are difficult to digest
      • Your menstrual cycle, as IBS symptoms can become worse for hormonal reasons

      Keeping a diary of when your IBS is most severe can help identify personal triggers. 

    • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can overlap with other conditions, including:

      • Anxiety and depression
      • Chronic fatigue syndrome
      • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
      • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
      • Migraines and tension headaches

      Your IBS specialist can help determine whether another condition may also be contributing to your symptoms.

    • Keeping notes about your irritable bowel syndrome symptoms may help your specialist better understand how the condition affects your daily life.

      Your specialist may ask questions such as:

      • How long have you had your IBS symptoms?
      • How often do you experience these symptoms?
      • Do certain foods, stress or lifestyle factors make symptoms worse?
      • Does your pain feel better or worse after having a bowel movement?

      Your specialist may also recommend tests to rule out other digestive conditions. 

    • Your IBS specialist may recommend tests to help rule out other digestive conditions and confirm whether you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

      Tests may include:

      • Colonoscopy, which uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine the colon and rectum
      • Endoscopy, which uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine the digestive tract
      • A CT scan, which creates detailed images of the digestive system

      Your care team will explain why a test is recommended and answer any questions you may have before your appointment.

    • There is no specific cure for irritable bowel syndrome, and treatment varies depending on your symptoms. 

      Treatment options may include: 

      • Dietary changes
      • Lifestyle changes
      • Stress management
      • Medication to help manage symptoms

    Private health insurance

    Mayo Clinic Healthcare works with all major private health insurance providers, including AXA PPP, Aviva, BUPA, Vitality Health and WPA. Self-pay arrangements are also available.

    Our Harley Street team can help diagnose and manage IBS in London. Request an appointment with us today. 

     

    Medically Reviewed by

    Dr Sarmed Sami, Consultant Gastroenterologist

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