Emma Keenan Dietitian Irritable Bowel Syndrome with a doctor pointing at the large intestine

Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is the first step toward reclaiming your quality of life. Whether you are seeking relief for yourself or supporting a loved one, gaining a deeper insight into this condition helps in three vital ways:

Ensuring a professional diagnosis rather than relying on risky self-diagnosis.
Exploring evidence-based options for long-term symptom management.
Developing empathy for the daily challenges of living with a chronic gut condition.

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is classified as a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder. This means that while the "hardware" of the gut looks normal, the "software" (how the system functions) is disrupted.

Specifically, IBS affects:

Peristalsis: The rhythmic movement of the intestines.
Visceral Hypersensitivity: How sensitive the intestinal nerves are to pressure and gas.
The Gut-Brain Axis: The complex communication line between your digestive system and your nervous system.

Functional vs. Structural Disorders

Unlike structural disorders (such as Crohn’s disease or Coeliac disease) where physical damage like inflammation or ulcers is visible via endoscopy, IBS involves no structural damage. Instead, diagnosis relies on clinical symptom criteria and the exclusion of other conditions.

Women clutching her stomach with IBS symptoms

Who is Likely to Develop IBS?

IBS is incredibly common, affecting approximately 1 in 7 people globally. While it can develop at any age, it is most frequently diagnosed in individuals under 40.

Key Demographic Facts:

Gender: Women are roughly 67% more likely to be diagnosed than men.
Age: Diagnoses decrease after age 50, often because older adults have mastered self-management or symptoms naturally subside.

Common IBS Symptoms and Their Impact

IBS symptoms can be unpredictable and vary significantly between individuals. Common signs include:

Bloating and abdominal distension
Constipation, Diarrhoea, or "Mixed" habits
Urgency and excessive flatulence
Lower abdominal pain (often relieved by a bowel movement)

How IBS Affects Your Life

The impact of IBS reaches far beyond the bathroom. It frequently disrupts:

Mental Health: Strong links to anxiety, stress, and fatigue.
Social & Work Life: Increased sick days and "bathroom anxiety" while traveling or dining out.
Body Image: Dealing with the physical discomfort of "the end-of-day bloat."

Red Flag Symptoms: When to See a GP If you experience unexplained weight loss, rectal bleeding, persistent vomiting, or a family history of bowel cancer, consult a doctor immediately. These are not standard IBS symptoms and require urgent investigation.

Irritable bowel syndrome angry intestines

What Causes IBS?

While there isn't one single cause, researchers believe several factors are responsible for triggering IBS, including:

Gut Dysbiosis: An imbalance in gut bacteria.
The Gut-Brain Axis: Stress and anxiety triggering symptoms.
Altered Gut Motility: Changes in intestine movement leading to constipation or diarrhoea.
Visceral Hypersensitivity: Increased gut sensitivity, making normal digestive movement painful.
Post-Infectious IBS: Symptoms that begin after a bout of gastroenteritis or "Bali Belly."

How is IBS Diagnosed? (Rome IV Criteria)

Modern diagnosis uses the Rome IV Criteria. To be diagnosed with IBS, a patient must have recurrent abdominal pain (at least 1 day/week for the last 3 months) associated with two or more of the following:

Pain related to defecation.
A change in the frequency of stool.
A change in the form/appearance of stool.

Treatment and Management Options

There is no "one-size-fits-all" cure, but many people achieve near-total symptom relief through a combination of:

1. Dietary Interventions

The Low FODMAP Diet: A temporary elimination diet to identify specific carbohydrate triggers.
Fibre Modification: Adjusting intake or using supplements like Psyllium husk.
Trigger Identification: Managing caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods.

2. Psychological & Lifestyle Therapies

Because of the gut-brain axis, therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and gut-directed hypnotherapy are highly effective. Reducing stress and prioritizing sleep also play a massive role in gut stability.

3. Medical & Probiotic Support

Over-the-counter medications can target specific symptoms like gas or urgency, while specific probiotics (chosen for their evidenced strains) can help rebalance the microbiome.

Why Work with an IBS Dietitian?

Navigating gut health alone is exhausting. A specialized dietitian helps you:

Avoid unnecessary restriction: Don't cut out foods you don't have to.
Save Money: Stop buying supplements that don't work.
Gain Independence: Learn exactly how to manage your own flares.

Take Control of Your Gut Health

You don’t have to navigate IBS alone. Let's work together to identify your triggers and create a personalized plan that fits your lifestyle.

Book an appointment today and start your journey toward effective, personalised IBS management. Together, we’ll create a plan that works for you.

Gut Health Dietitian Services

References

Bertin, L., Zanconato, M., Crepaldi, M., Marasco, G., Cremon, C., Barbara, G., Barberio, B., Zingone, F., & Savarino, E. V. (2024). The Role of the FODMAP Diet in IBS. Nutrients, 16(3), 370.

Black, C. J., Staudacher, H. M., & Ford, A. C. (2022). Efficacy of a low FODMAP diet in irritable bowel syndrome: Systematic review and network meta-analysis. Gut, 71(6), 1117–1126. Low-FODMAP Diet Improves Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms: A Meta-Analysis

IBS: Symptoms, Causes, and How to Manage Your Gut Health

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Who is Likely to Develop IBS?