Managing IBS Symptoms: Tips and Treatment

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What is irritable bowel disease (IBS)?

IBS is also known as spastic colon, irritable colon, mucous colitis, and spastic colitis. It is a separate condition from inflammatory bowel disease and isn’t related to other bowel conditions. IBS is a group of intestinal symptoms that typically occur together. The symptoms vary in severity and duration from person to person.

What are the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

If you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), your symptoms may include abdominal pain, a bloated stomach and irregular bowel habits. You may have chronic diarrhoea or constipation, or alternating diarrhoea and constipation. Your doctor will rule out other illnesses before diagnosing IBS.

What causes irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

While the exact cause of IBS is not clear, some common IBS triggers include diet, stress, infection and medicines. You may find that some foods make your symptoms worse, but these 'trigger foods' differ from one person to the next. Your IBS symptoms might have started after an infection such as gastroenteritis (‘gastro’).

What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition where you experience symptoms related to your digestive system. This is sometimes linked to certain foods, lifestyle habits and stress levels or mood. IBS affects around 3 out of every 10 people. Females are more likely than males to be affected.

Where can I find information about irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) [Online; updated Sep 2018; accessed Jul 2019] Available from www.healthdirect.gov.au Mayo Clinic. Irritable bowel syndrome [Online; updated Mar 2018; accessed Jul 2019] Available from: www.mayoclinic.org Mertz HR. Drug therapy: Irritable bowel syndrome. N Engl J Med. 2003; 349: 2136.

What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

1. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20360016
3. https://www.healthline.com/health/irritable-bowel-syndrome
4. https://www.webmd.com/ibs/digestive-diseases-irritable-bowel-syndrome
5. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4342-irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs
6. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Information

1. https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0034/674386/gastro_ibs.pdf
2. https://dietitiansaustralia.org.au/health-advice/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs
3. https://www.bupa.com.au/healthlink/health-conditions/a-z/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs
4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irritable_bowel_syndrome
5. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome