Bloating and abdominal pain after meals, switching between constipation and diarrhoea with no clear reason? That may be irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) — one of the most common digestive complaints, and many people live with it for years without ever putting a name to it.
What is irritable bowel syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder of the digestive system: the colon works irregularly without any visible inflammation or structural damage. It is a chronic condition that comes in flare-ups and can genuinely affect day-to-day quality of life — but it does not increase the risk of cancer or other serious bowel disease.
Symptoms
- Abdominal pain or cramps, often relieved after a bowel movement
- Recurrent bloating and gas
- A change in bowel habits (constipation, diarrhoea, or alternating between the two)
- A feeling of incomplete emptying
- Symptoms that worsen with stress, or before the menstrual period in women
Causes and triggers
The exact cause of IBS is not fully understood, but several factors contribute to triggering or worsening symptoms:
- Psychological stress and anxiety
- Certain foods (such as fatty meals or caffeine — trigger foods differ from person to person)
- Hormonal changes in women
- Disturbed bowel motility or an over-sensitive colon
When to see a doctor
If these symptoms keep recurring and interfere with your daily life, it is worth booking an assessment to confirm the diagnosis and agree a suitable treatment plan. Very important: if the symptoms come with blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, or sudden severe pain, that warrants prompt evaluation to rule out causes other than IBS.
Treatment options
There is no single treatment that suits everyone; the plan usually combines more than one step:
- Dietary adjustments (reducing trigger foods, increasing fibre gradually as appropriate for your case)
- Managing stress (exercise, relaxation techniques, or psychological support when needed)
- Medication prescribed by your doctor to regulate bowel movement or ease cramps, depending on the dominant symptoms
- Regular follow-up to adjust the plan according to how your body responds
How Town Hospital helps
The general surgery team at Town Hospital assesses your case carefully, rules out any other organic causes of the symptoms — with additional tests if needed — and then helps you build a practical plan for living with IBS that fits your lifestyle.
Frequently asked questions
Is IBS dangerous?
No. IBS is a chronic and unpleasant condition, but it does not increase the risk of cancer or serious disease. What matters is ruling out other causes if warning signs appear, such as bleeding or weight loss.
Can IBS be cured permanently?
There is no definitive cure, but the great majority of cases are controlled very well through dietary changes, stress management, and sometimes medication.
Does stress cause IBS?
Stress is not the only cause, but it is one of the most important factors that intensify or provoke symptoms in many patients.
What is the difference between IBS and colitis?
IBS is a functional disorder with no inflammation or structural damage, while colitis (such as ulcerative colitis) is an organic disease with genuine inflammation of the colon wall that needs entirely different diagnosis and treatment.
How do I book with a general surgery consultant at Town?
You can book by calling 15276, via WhatsApp, or through the booking page on our website.