Kokova Magazine

IBS is a common condition of the digestive system and can cause bouts of stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation.

There's no cure for IBS, but the symptoms can be relieved by changing your diet and lifestyle. Sometimes medication can help, too.

IBS isn't a dangerous condition. There's no obvious abnormality of the bowel, and, although it can feel uncomfortable, the condition poses no serious threat to your health. For example, it won't increase your chances of developing cancer or other bowel conditions.

The precise cause of IBS is unclear, but it may be triggered by stress, problems with your immune system or a problem with how the muscles of your gut squeeze food through your bowel.

The symptoms of IBS usually come on for the first time between the ages of 20 and 30. They're not usually continuous, but tend to come and go in bouts, often during times of stress or after eating certain foods.

The symptoms can vary from one person to another and be worse in some people than others.

But most people experience either diarrhoea or constipation or bouts of both, and sometimes notice mucus in their stools. It's also common to find that painful cramps ease after you've been to the toilet to open your bowels.

IBS is unpredictable. You may go for many months without any symptoms, and then have a sudden flare-up.

IBS can be painful, debilitating and reduce your quality of life. However, with treatment there's no reason why you shouldn't expect to live a normal, full and active life.

Treatment involves medication and changing your diet and lifestyle. Sometimes talking treatments such as counselling and hypnotherapy can help, too.

IBS is one of the most common digestive conditions. It's thought that 10%-20% of people experience IBS at some point. It's twice as common in women as in men.

Courtesy of www.nhs.uk