Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Also called IBS, Spastic colon
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common long-term condition causing abdominal pain, bloating and changes in bowel habit, without damage that shows on tests. Diagnosis involves ruling out other conditions, and treatment combines diet changes, stress management and medicines aimed at the main symptom.
Symptoms
- Abdominal pain that eases after passing stool
- Bloating and wind
- Constipation, diarrhoea or alternating between the two
How it is diagnosed
- Clinical assessment
- Blood and stool tests to rule out other conditions
- Colonoscopy if there are warning signs or age-related risk
Treatment
- Diet changes, including a supervised low-FODMAP trial
- Fibre adjustment and hydration
- Medicines for pain, constipation or diarrhoea
- Stress and sleep management
Questions patients ask
Is IBS dangerous?
IBS does not damage the bowel or lead to cancer, but its symptoms overlap with conditions that do, so warning signs should always be checked.
Related care
Get irritable bowel syndrome (ibs) checked
Book a consultation with Dr. Anil Kumar Mannava. No referral needed.