A Patient’s Story
Tim, 29, began avoiding social plans because he never knew how his gut would behave. Some days it was urgent diarrhoea, other days painful bloating and constipation.Â
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Tests kept coming back normal, yet the symptoms were real. Eventually, after specialist assessment, Tim was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome.
What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional digestive disorder affecting the large intestine. It is estimated to affect 10 to 15 percent of people, often starting before the age of 50.
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IBS does not cause structural damage to the bowel, but it can cause significant, long-term symptoms that interfere with daily life.
Common Symptoms of IBS
Symptoms vary between individuals and may fluctuate over time.
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Typical IBS symptoms include
Abdominal pain or cramping
Bloating and excess wind
Diarrhoea, constipation, or both
Urgency or incomplete bowel movements
Fatigue
Symptoms worse after meals
Many women notice symptom worsening around menstruation.
Types of IBS
IBS is classified based on bowel habit:
IBS-D: diarrhoea-predominant
IBS-C: constipation-predominant
IBS-M: mixed bowel habits
IBS-U: unclassified
Identifying the subtype helps guide treatment.
What Causes IBS?
The exact cause is not fully understood, but IBS is linked to gut–brain interaction disorders.
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Contributing factors include:
Visceral hypersensitivity (an over-sensitive gut)
Abnormal gut motility (food moving too fast or too slow)
Stress and anxiety
Dietary triggers
Post-infectious IBS after gastroenteritis
Changes in gut bacteria
Altered serotonin signalling in the bowel
IBS can run in families, suggesting a genetic component.
How Is IBS Diagnosed?
There is no single test for IBS. Diagnosis is based on symptoms and exclusion of other conditions.
Assessment may include:
Blood tests
Stool tests
Screening for coeliac disease or inflammation
Sometimes endoscopy or imaging
Once other causes are ruled out, IBS can be diagnosed confidently.
Managing IBS Effectively
While IBS has no cure, symptoms can be well controlled with the right approach.
Management may include:
Dietary modification, such as a Low FODMAP approach
Stress and gut–brain therapies
Targeted medications
Treating overlapping conditions, such as SIBO or reflux
Personalised lifestyle advice
Seeing an IBS specialist gastroenterologist is key to long-term improvement.
When to Seek Specialist Advice
You should seek medical review if you have:
Ongoing symptoms affecting quality of life
Unintentional weight loss
Rectal bleeding
Anaemia
Symptoms waking you at night
These are not typical IBS features and require investigation.
Book an IBS Assessment
Struggling with ongoing bloating, pain, or bowel changes?
At LSDC Healthcare, we offer specialist assessment and personalised IBS management plans based on the latest gut-brain and microbiome science.