Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome, shortened to IBS, is a condition that affects people for the long term and can develop at any age. It is most common to appear for the first time between the ages of fifteen and forty, however, and it is women who tend to be more likely to suffer, as well as enduring worse symptoms.



IBS is a common problem relating to the digestive system. It causes reoccurring pain or discomfort in the abdomen, as well as bloating, and an altered bowel habit. For most people, the IBS symptoms are little more than an annoyance at times, but for others the symptoms are more severe. There are several symptoms of IBS that are the most common, and these can vary in severity. They include pain in the abdomen, which can range from mild discomfort to severe stomach cramps. This pain can be made worse by eating but alleviated by passing wind and visiting the bathroom. When it comes to passing faeces, sufferers of IBS will experience altered bowel habits that may involve small, hard faeces to loose stools that are very watery. Those with IBS may suffer from bouts of diarrhoea then find themselves constipated and vice versa.

IBS can be a condition that affects sufferers frequently or only arises every now and then. Ways to cope with and prevent bouts of IBS include looking after yourself – that means eating well, drinking a lot of water, cutting down on caffeine and alcohol and exercising regularly. All of these can help regulate your bowel movements and ensure your body is getting the correct nutrients to function properly. With regards to diet, you should limit your fruit intake to no more than three servings a day and reduce your intake of insoluble fibre – that’s bran, wholemeal bread and wholegrain rice.



There are several medicines that can help with the many symptoms of IBS, though it is best to ask your doctor which type you should be taking as some that look like they will help will actually make things worse! In particular, if you need to use painkillers then go with paracetamol as other types can worsen your symptoms.



Irritable bowel syndrome is a highly unpleasant condition to suffer from, which is why if you’re prone to it you should do your best to lead a healthy life that will reduce your chances of an attack. Learn as much as you can about IBS and visit your doctor to be sure you’re doing everything you can to help, and you will hopefully find the volume and severity of attacks lessen.



The author of this article is a part of a digital blogging team who work with brands like Bupa. The contents of this article are of a general nature only and do not constitute specific advice.  This article does not take into account your circumstances or needs and must not be relied upon in place of appropriate professional advice.