All the Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) information you need for living well

In this IBS guide, we provide an in-depth explanation of the condition for those who are new to it. We answer questions such as, ‘what is irritable bowel syndrome?’, ‘what causes irritable bowel syndrome?’, and ‘what are the symptoms of IBS?’. As part of this IBS condition guide, we will explore the irritable bowel syndrome treatments that are available and what daily life is like for people living with IBS.

Remember, you are not alone, and there are many sources of IBS support available to you. If you are concerned about any of the symptoms of IBS or IBS information you read here, please consult your GP. This IBS guide is not intended to be taken as medical advice.

What is IBS?

Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition affecting the bowel or gut, which is part of the digestive system. There is no cure, and it’s not clear what causes IBS, but there are some IBS treatment options available.

Around 10-20% of people in the UK have IBS, and anyone can develop the condition. It is most commonly diagnosed around the age of 20-30, but it may begin in childhood. Some people are much older when they are first diagnosed, and their IBS symptoms may have just begun or may have been present for some time but much less severe. Women are twice as likely to receive an IBS diagnosis compared to men.

The severity of irritable bowel syndrome symptoms varies from person to person, and each person will have a unique experience of the condition.

Read more about IBS.

What causes IBS?

It’s still not clear what causes IBS, but it is believed that certain factors may cause the gut of a person with IBS to work differently from a person who does not have the condition.

These IBS triggers include:

• Gut motility (how fast or slow food moves through the digestive system)
• Genetics
• Gut infection, such as gastroenteritis
• Overuse of antibiotics
• Anxiety, stress and depression
• Trauma

Some people find that certain foods are also irritable bowel syndrome triggers, such as fatty or sugary foods, and we talk more about this later.

Read more about what causes irritable bowel syndrome.

Did you know?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition affecting the gut (bowel).

What are the symptoms of IBS?

Everyone experiences IBS differently, but there are common IBS symptoms that many people experience. There are a few different types of IBS, and the type a person has is determined by their symptoms. Living with irritable bowel syndrome can be difficult, and some people may be more severely affected than others, finding that IBS affects their life in more ways.

• Pain in the guts
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Alternating diarrhoea and constipation
• Bloating
• Trapped wind
• Indigestion
• Needing to burp frequently
• Excessive or smelly flatulence
• Urgent need to poo or having to strain to poo
• Leaking poo when passing wind
• Tiredness, insomnia, fatigue
• Muscle and joint pain
• Headaches
• Bladder problems
• Stress, anxiety or depression

The latter may occur alongside the condition, and sometimes it is difficult to tell if emotional or mental health problems are an irritable bowel syndrome trigger or a symptom of IBS.

Symptoms of IBS may get worse at certain times, for example, if you are:

• Stressed, anxious or depressed
• Experiencing emotional upset or trauma
• Ill with other health conditions
• Taking medications for other health conditions

IBS is not ‘all in the mind’ but many people report that there is a link between how they are feeling and their IBS symptoms, and vice versa. Experts also now understand that there is a clear link between the gut and the brain, called the gut-brain axis.

Who should I talk to about an IBS diagnosis?

If you think you may have symptoms of IBS, you should visit your GP to discuss these. It may feel embarrassing to talk about bowel movements but it is important to tell your GP in detail about the symptoms you are experiencing.

Your GP may diagnose you based on your symptoms, as there is no specific test for irritable bowel syndrome. However, your GP may want to run some blood tests and stool (poo) sample tests to rule out some other conditions such as coeliac disease or inflammatory bowel disease. If you are given a full blood screening, your GP will also be looking for evidence of other issues such as anaemia, thyroid problems and issues with your liver and kidneys. They may also examine you to feel for any swollen areas in your gut.

Your GP may also ask about, or be listening for warning signs of, other more severe health conditions such as bowel cancer or ovarian cancer, and these include:

• Bleeding from the bottom
• Weight loss that cannot be attributed to diet or exercise
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Significant changes in bowel habits
• Significant bloating that lasts for long periods or does not go away

If you are given a diagnosis of IBS and develop any of the symptoms listed above, you should revisit your GP. Read more about the symptoms and diagnosis of IBS.

Did you know?

IBS symptoms include constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, flatulence, trapped wind, and pain.

What treatments are available for IBS?

Irritable bowel syndrome cannot be cured and so treatment for IBS usually includes reducing the impact of, and managing the symptoms of, IBS. Some people opt to use IBS treatment medications, many of which are available over the counter and without a prescription. Other people choose to change their lifestyle to help their IBS symptoms, which may include following a special diet or reducing the intake of foods that seem to be IBS triggers for them.

Other options include natural remedies such as vitamins and minerals, holistic or complementary therapies, and psychological therapies that are designed to alleviate stress and related mood issues, which may help a person deal with their IBS symptoms more positively.

Some people choose to live with their IBS and put up with the symptoms they experience, perhaps because IBS treatments they have tried have not worked, or because they prefer not to take medication. Everyone is affected differently by their IBS. In this section of our IBS guide, we discuss the treatments for irritable bowel syndrome in more detail.

How is IBS treated?

There are lots of over-the-counter medications that are designed to help reduce irritable bowel syndrome symptoms:

Laxatives

To reduce constipation or make it easier to poo. There are different types which may either make your poo bulkier so that your bowels can push it out, make it softer or more watery or make bowel movement faster. Read more about laxatives.

Diarrhoea treatments

To help firm up your poo, loperamide is commonly used. However, some people find that using this as a treatment for IBS means they then get constipated. Read more about loperamide.

Wind relief medicines

Deflatine, Wind Settlers, Windeze, and more are used to help relieve bloating and the pain of trapped wind.

Indigestion relief

Rennies are a popular brand and they contain calcium carbonate which helps to neutralise excess stomach acid.

Some people living with IBS may find that their symptoms decrease whilst taking antidepressant tablets. It is unlikely that GPs will prescribe antidepressants to someone who does not experience mood issues alongside their IBS, but those that do may find their mood issues improve as well as their gut symptoms. This is thought to be because antidepressants can positively affect pain receptors, making a person feel less pain, or reducing their anxiety and low mood, which may make their gut issues worse. Read more about antidepressants.

Natural supplements for IBS

Some people choose to take natural supplements for IBS, such as peppermint oil, which is proven to help some people with IBS symptoms.

Irritable bowel syndrome supplements may suit some people but not others, and some may find that taking certain vitamins and minerals makes their gut issues worse.

Other people find that taking minerals such as magnesium helps relieve their IBS symptoms. Many people also take probiotics, which come in various forms and can be bought in yoghurt drinks from the supermarket. These contain good forms of bacteria which may help some people who have an imbalance of bacteria in their gut. However, probiotics do not work for everyone and can make some IBS symptoms worse.

A person with IBS should discuss taking natural IBS supplements with their GP before doing so, as some vitamins, minerals and herbal substances can interfere with other medications or health conditions.

Holistic and complementary therapies for IBS

There are lots of complementary therapy treatments for IBS such as:

Acupuncture

The insertion of needles into key points around the body may help relieve pain, and encourage the gut to have better movement of food waste and reduce stress. Read more about acupuncture and IBS.

Colonic hydrotherapy

Involves inserting water into the bowel via a tube, to cleanse the colon, which some people with IBS may find temporarily relieving.

Hypnotherapy

Uses relaxation techniques to deeply relax the body and relieve stress, which may all contribute to IBS symptom relief. Read more about hypnotherapy and IBS.

Reflexology

Involves massaging certain parts of the feet to relieve stress and help balance the body, helping internal organs to function better and improve digestion.

Read more about complementary therapy irritable bowel syndrome treatments.

Psychological treatments for IBS

Some people with IBS also experience anxiety, stress and depression. Research now understands that there is a link between the gut and the brain and that serotonin is made within the gut, so this connection is not surprising. It may be difficult to ascertain if mood issues occurred before IBS symptoms or vice versa, and really it does not matter which came first. This link suggests that finding ways to reduce stress/anxiety/depression may have a positive effect on a person’s experience of IBS. Therefore, some people benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) as an irritable bowel syndrome treatment. Read more about CBT

Diet and IBS

Dietary changes may improve IBS symptoms, and we talk about this in more detail in the next section.

Read more about treatments for irritable bowel syndrome.

Did you know?

IBS is linked to anxiety, stress and low mood.

What is the best way of living with IBS?

IBS is not curable and each person with a diagnosis of IBS will experience it differently, with some people finding it affects their daily life more than others.

IBS sometimes gets worse as a person grows older, but then it can also improve with age, and many people find their condition goes through phases where it is more difficult to cope with, before improving slightly. For example, periods of stress or worry can exacerbate irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Some women find their IBS worsens during their period or the lead-up to menstruating. Diet may also play a big part in a person’s IBS symptoms. So, multiple factors can affect IBS and the feeling of well-being a person living with IBS has.

What impact does IBS have on daily living

Living with an IBS diagnosis will affect each person differently. IBS may impact a person’s life in the following ways (this is not an exhaustive list):

Travelling/holidays

These may present more symptoms, as well as concern about having toileting issues whilst travelling and being unable to get to a toilet, or being in pain whilst away from home. Read more about travelling with IBS.

Embarrassment

Some people may find their IBS causes them embarrassment. Depending on the type of IBS they have, they may experience symptoms such as flatulence, bloating or urgent diarrhoea and feel embarrassed about having these symptoms around other people. Some people may be embarrassed about showing their distended stomach (for example in a swimsuit), having to use public toilets and so on. Others find they have bowel or urinary incontinence due to IBS, which can also create anxiety and embarrassment. If you do, we have many incontinence aids available to put your mind at ease.

Diet for IBS

If a person is following a special diet, or avoiding certain foods that are an IBS trigger for them, they may find it difficult to eat out at restaurants and cafes or eat at other people’s houses. Some people may feel anxious about this, or about eating something that will cause their symptoms to come on. Read more about diet and IBS.​​

Work life

Some people find their IBS affects their ability to carry out their job or cause them distress due to feeling embarrassed about their gut problems.

Impact of pain

Some people experience significant pain as a symptom of their IBS, and living with pain may affect a person’s concentration, relationships, personality, enjoyment and ability to do everyday activities.

Fear and anxiety

Many people with IBS have fears that their condition may turn into, or has been misdiagnosed as, a more severe, underlying health condition such as bowel cancer. This is rarely the case, and discussing these fears with a friend, GP, or charity helpline may provide some reassurance.

Frustration with healthcare

Some people with IBS feel that they are not taken seriously by GPs and feel frustrated that there are not any more options for their IBS treatment, or that they feel they have tried every option for treatment and are still not able to reduce the impact of their symptoms.

Emotional and mental health effects

IBS is linked to anxiety, stress and depression and some people find that their IBS causes mental health problems, or their mental health problems exacerbate their IBS symptoms.

Sex life and libido

Some people report that their irritable bowel syndrome symptoms affect their desire to have sex or that sex is uncomfortable for them.

​Relationships

Living with pain, discomfort, stress and anxiety can cause difficulties in relationships, and living with IBS may cause a person distress, irritability and low moods, which may in turn affect their close relationships. Find support for relationship problems.

What products are available for IBS

Complete Care Shop are experts in daily living aids, which are products designed to make everyday tasks easier for people who have mobility difficulties or other health conditions.

If you have difficulties with mobility, using the toilet can become difficult. If you also have irritable bowel syndrome, this may cause you an even greater challenge, and increase anxiety. If this is the case for you, we may have a daily living aid solution to suit your needs. Our toilet mobility aid and incontinence aid collections are extensive and are sure to have the specific product you need or have in mind.

If you would like to speak to one of our Occupational Therapists to see if there are any daily living aids that may help you or someone you care for, please contact them on 03330 160 000 or fill in this contact form. They will be able to talk to you about your needs and will find the ideal IBS aids to help you.

PLEASE NOTE: Our Expert Advice Service can only advise about equipment and products which may help you to live more independently. They cannot give any advice on medications or treatments for symptoms of this condition.

Can I still work with IBS?

Many people with a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome can work but being in employment may present challenges. These can include anxiety about using the toilet, colleagues being aware of a person’s IBS symptoms, having to use the toilet regularly at work, feeling uncomfortable due to symptoms such as pain, bloating or constipation, and missing work due to symptom flare-ups. Some people find IBS affects their morning routine due to symptoms, or that eating at work affects their gut during the day. It may be advisable to discuss with your employer if your IBS is affecting your work life. Read more about IBS and employment.

Did you know?

There is no cure for IBS but there are medicines, self-care options and lifestyle changes that can help reduce or alleviate symptoms.

Where can I find further IBS information and support?

IBS is a really common condition. If you have IBS, there are many people in a similar situation, but each person will experience the condition differently. Many people can live a full life with irritable bowel syndrome but it can affect a person’s daily life to varying degrees. There are treatments for irritable bowel syndrome, in the form of over-the-counter medications and self-care, and these may provide relief. Some people also benefit from changing their lifestyle and adopting an IBS diet suited to their needs, removing foods and drinks that are triggers for IBS.

We hope this IBS guide has been useful in providing you with IBS information to help support you. If you are looking for further IBS information or support, we have listed some sources of IBS help below.

Communities

IBS Support Group UK – a Facebook group for people living with IBS to share stories, advice and experiences

IBS Network Forum – an online forum for people with IBS to discuss their symptoms, treatments, and share advice

Resources

About IBS – a site run by the US charity International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders, which features lots of information about all aspects of living with IBS including IBS treatments, IBS diet, IBS support, and much more

Bladder & Bowel Community – a charity providing advice and information on bladder and bowel conditions, including IBS, and offering a free ‘Just can’t wait’ card for urgent toilet access

Bladder and Bowel UK – a charity providing online resources and information about bowel and bladder issues, including content on constipation, incontinence, fluid intake, and other practical matters

Guts UK – a UK charity for people with gut-related conditions such as IBS, with details about what causes IBS and treatments for IBS

NHS – provides official medical information on irritable bowel syndrome and related conditions

The British Dietetic Association – advice and information on IBS and diet, including self-care, lifestyle advice and information on foods and drinks to eat or reduce intake of

The IBS Network – a charity that provides advice and IBS information on living with the condition, with online information and support groups

Did you know?

Dietary changes to identify trigger foods and an increase in activity levels may help bring relief for IBS.

Glossary

Although we always try to explain things as simply and clearly as possible at Complete Care Shop, it’s sometimes necessary to use the correct medical terminology. Medical terms are often known for being tricky to pronounce and if you’re not an expert in the subject, they can also be a little difficult to understand.

Below, we’ve put together a list of terms used on this page along with a brief explanation of what they mean to help make your understanding of IBS as straightforward as possible.

Motor planning disorder

A condition that affects a person’s ability to carry out tasks using motor skills – the learned (non-habit) actions that require the brain and muscles to work together.

Coeliac disease

An auto-immune disease affecting the digestive system, where the body reacts to gluten found in wheat, barley and rye, and damages the lining of the small intestine.

Digestive system

The gastrointestinal tract, which includes all the organs required for moving food through the body, using its nutrients and excreting it as waste.

Gastroenteritis

A common stomach bug that may be viral or bacterial and causes diarrhoea.

Gut-brain axis

The link between the gut and the brain, which is thought to involve chemicals and neurotransmitters that travel backwards and forwards along pathways between the brain and the gut (bowel).

Inflammatory bowel disease

A group of conditions such as Crohn’s disease and colitis, caused by inflammation in the gut or digestive system.