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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is a common long-term disorder of how the gut works, causing tummy pain with a change in bowel habit. The bowel looks normal on tests — it is a problem of function, not damage.
Causes & risk factors
- An oversensitive gut and altered gut-brain signalling
- Stress, anxiety and poor sleep
- Certain foods (fatty, spicy, caffeine, some carbohydrates)
- A previous gut infection (post-infective IBS)
- Changes in gut bacteria
Common symptoms
- Crampy tummy pain, often eased by passing stool
- Bloating and wind
- Diarrhoea, constipation, or both alternating
- Constipation
- Mucus in the stool
- Urgency or a feeling of incomplete emptying
Tests & diagnosis
- Diagnosis is usually clinical, after ruling out other causes
- CBC (to exclude anaemia)
- CRP (to exclude inflammation)
- Coeliac blood test and stool tests
- Colonoscopy (only if red flags)
Treatment & management
- Identify and limit trigger foods; a dietitian-guided low-FODMAP diet can help
- Regular meals, plenty of fluids and gentle exercise
- Fibre adjustments — soluble fibre for constipation-type IBS
- Stress management, good sleep and, sometimes, gut-directed therapies
- Symptom medicines: antispasmodics, laxatives or anti-diarrhoeals as advised
When to see a doctor urgently
- Blood in the stool or unexplained weight loss
- Symptoms starting for the first time after age 50
- A change in bowel habit that keeps worsening
- Waking at night with pain or diarrhoea
Frequently asked questions
Is IBS serious or does it lead to cancer?
IBS does not damage the bowel or cause cancer. It is uncomfortable but not dangerous — though new bowel changes should always be checked to rule out other conditions.
What is a low-FODMAP diet?
It temporarily limits certain fermentable carbohydrates that can trigger bloating and pain, then reintroduces them to find your personal triggers. It is best done with a dietitian.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.