As part of IBS Awareness Month in April, Gillian Goddard, medical adviser to The IBS Network, explains more about the condition
More than 12 million people in the UK live with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
But what exactly is it, how can it be treated and what should you do if you’ve been recently diagnosed?
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
IBS is a functional disorder of the bowel. There is no definitive biomarker which can identify this long-term condition. It is diagnosed clinically using blood tests and/or stool samples in order to rule out any other conditions.
What sort of symptoms should you look out for?
Symptoms can include abdominal pain, bloating, wind, diarrhoea, constipation, mixed diarrhoea/constipation. Other symptoms include lethargy, nausea and backache. Symptoms will vary from person to person.
What can trigger symptoms?
Triggers can be a combination of the food that we eat and the amount of stress in our lives or not getting enough sleep. Eating foods high in fat, consuming alcohol, large portion sizes, eating too much fruit and vegetables, fizzy drinks, and high fibre foods may trigger IBS symptoms.
What if I am experiencing symptoms?
If you are experiencing IBS symptoms, before you make any changes in your diet it’s important that you speak to your GP.
If you are diagnosed with IBS, ask your doctor to refer you to a registered dietitian. While waiting for your appointment try to identify your triggers. The IBS Network has a 12-week wellness diary to help you do this.
How is IBS treated?
There is no cure for IBS and no single treatment that works for everyone. The key to living well with IBS is self-management. Once you have a better understanding of what is happening in your body you will be able to explore what works best for you.
Consider dietary and lifestyle changes (see below and right for more on these); psychological therapies (talking therapies); and medications (see your GP or pharmacist for advice).
If your symptoms persist and are food related, you may be advised to try the low FODMAP diet. However, this should only be followed with the supervision of a registered dietitian.
There are three stages to the low FODMAP diet: RESTRICTION – For two to six weeks swap high FODMAP foods for low FODMAP alternatives. However, restricting your diet for longer than this may have a detrimental effect on the healthy gut bacteria.
REINTRODUCTION – Over eight to 12 weeks reintroduce food groups grad
