The exact cause is unknown. It is thought to involve the gut being more sensitive than usual and problems with how food moves through the digestive system. Stress, certain foods and, in some cases, a previous gut infection can play a part.

What foods trigger IBS?

Triggers vary, but common ones include fatty or spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, fizzy drinks and certain hard-to-digest carbohydrates. Keeping a food and symptom diary can help you identify your own triggers. Some people are advised to try a specialised diet with professional support.

IBS can be uncomfortable and affect quality of life, but it does not damage the bowel or increase the risk of more serious conditions such as bowel cancer. It is still important to have the diagnosis confirmed by a GP.

There is no single cure. Management usually combines dietary changes, managing stress, staying active, and sometimes medicines to ease specific symptoms such as cramps, diarrhoea or constipation. A GP or dietitian can help you find what works for you.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Quick answer

What is irritable bowel syndrome (ibs)?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common, long-term condition affecting the digestive system. It can cause stomach cramps, bloating, and bouts of diarrhoea or constipation. The cause is not fully understood, and while there is no cure, symptoms can often be managed with changes to diet, lifestyle and stress.

What is IBS?

Irritable bowel syndrome is a common condition affecting the digestive system. It is described as a “functional” condition, meaning it affects how the gut works rather than causing visible damage. IBS is long-term, but symptoms tend to come and go, sometimes lasting days, weeks or months at a time.

Symptoms

The main symptoms include:

stomach pain or cramps, often relieved by going to the toilet
bloating
diarrhoea, constipation, or alternating between the two
a feeling of not having fully emptied your bowels

Some people also experience tiredness, nausea or symptoms that are worse after eating.

What causes it

The cause of IBS is not fully understood. It is thought to be linked to oversensitivity of the gut and changes in how quickly food passes through. Stress and anxiety, certain foods, and a past stomach infection can all be involved. IBS is not caused by anything you have done wrong.

How it is managed

Although there is no cure, many people find their symptoms improve with a combination of approaches: identifying and adjusting trigger foods, eating regular meals, staying hydrated, keeping active and managing stress. For some people, a structured dietary approach is recommended, ideally with support from a dietitian.

Medicines can help with specific symptoms — for example, easing cramps, slowing diarrhoea or relieving constipation. A GP can advise on suitable options.

Getting a diagnosis

It is important to see a GP rather than self-diagnosing, as some symptoms overlap with other conditions that need to be ruled out. Once IBS is confirmed, you and your GP can focus on finding the management plan that works best for you.

Common questions

What causes IBS?: The exact cause is unknown. It is thought to involve the gut being more sensitive than usual and problems with how food moves through the digestive system. Stress, certain foods and, in some cases, a previous gut infection can play a part.
What foods trigger IBS?: Triggers vary, but common ones include fatty or spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, fizzy drinks and certain hard-to-digest carbohydrates. Keeping a food and symptom diary can help you identify your own triggers. Some people are advised to try a specialised diet with professional support.
Is IBS dangerous?: IBS can be uncomfortable and affect quality of life, but it does not damage the bowel or increase the risk of more serious conditions such as bowel cancer. It is still important to have the diagnosis confirmed by a GP.
How is IBS treated?: There is no single cure. Management usually combines dietary changes, managing stress, staying active, and sometimes medicines to ease specific symptoms such as cramps, diarrhoea or constipation. A GP or dietitian can help you find what works for you.

Sources

NHS — Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)