Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder that interferes with the normal functioning of the large intestine. It is generally characterised by cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhoea. IBS causes a great deal of discomfort and distress, but it does not permanently harm the intestines and does not lead to a serious disease.

Causes

Researchers are still uncertain about the exact cause of IBS. IBS may stem from a problem with the nerves that control the bowels. Nerves that are too active can cause the bowels to remove waste too quickly and cause diarrhoea. Nerves that are not active enough can allow waste to stay in the bowels too long and cause constipation. Very sensitive nerves may send too many pain signals to the brain, causing increased pain.

Another theory is that people who suffer from IBS have a large intestine that is particularly sensitive and reactive to certain foods and stress. The immune system, which fights infection, may also be involved.

Symptoms

IBS symptoms can be triggered by stress, as well as the intake of large meals, certain foods, drinks and medications. Some women show symptoms of IBS during or just before their period. Keeping a record of your symptoms may help you learn what triggers your IBS.

Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome may include the follows:

    • Cramps and bloating in your lower stomach that may be worse on the left side; it usually feels better after you have gone to the toilet or passed wind
    • Constipation, that is having small, hard stools that might be hard to push out or the feeling that you have not finished
    • Diarrhoea, that is having to go to the toilet too often and having very loose stools
    • A situation where you are sometimes constipated, sometimes have diarrhoea and then be fine for a while
    • Flatulence or bloating
    • Mucous in the stools.

Treatment

IBS is diagnosed by its signs and symptoms and by the absence of other diseases. You can make some lifestyle changes to help control IBS, for example:

    • Eat more fibre and drink more fluids
    • Learn to avoid symptom triggers
    • Reduce stress
    • Be more active.

If lifestyle changes are not effective, you may have to consult a dietician to help you work out a diet that will suit you or consult your health care provider to prescribe medication.

Our Employee Wellbeing Programme (EAP) is available 24 hours a day if you want to know more about IBS.