IBS is a functional condition that affects the gastrointestinal tract. Around 1 in 7 people have IBS globally. More recently, doctors are referring to IBS as a disorder of the gut-brain interaction, meaning there may be a problem with how your brain and gut work together, resulting in a more sensitive gut and changes to overall gut motility. IBS can cause a myriad of symptoms including bloating, abdominal pain, excess wind and altered bowel habits (constipation or diarrhoea).

Irritable bowel syndrome can be subdivided into three major categories:

• Constipation-predominant – stools tend towards hard to pass and dry
• Diarrhoea-predominant – stools tend towards loose and watery
• Mixed – stools are a combination of the above

You may have been referred to a gastroenterologist and had abdominal imaging, or a gastroscopy or colonoscopy completed to rule out more sinister gastrointestinal conditions. Unfortunately, IBS cannot be seen via scope and cannot be diagnosed via blood test. Thus, IBS is often diagnosed using a certain criteria, your symptoms and current diet.

While many factors can contribute to IBS onset, there is no definitive cause identified yet. Factors thought to contribute to IBS include emotional stress, altered routine, toileting behaviours, medication, infection, diet, changes in gut bacteria and increased gut sensitivity.

IBS can often be well managed with certain treatments which are tailored to the individual. It is important that you determine your own triggers, as everyone with IBS is different. Some treatment options include supplements and medications prescribed by your doctor or dietitian. Dietary changes can also assist in symptom reduction. These can include reducing gut irritants, altering fibre and fluid intake or adopting a partial or full Low FODMAP diet for a short period of time under dietitian guidance. IBS can also be successfully treated with behavioural therapy including psychology and gut-directed hypnotherapy, which focuses on addressing the miscommunication between the gut and brain by inducing a deeply relaxing mental state.

If you suspect you may have IBS, it is vital you visit your doctor for further advice prior to changing your diet. If your GP or specialist advises that you likely have IBS, then seeing an Accredited Practising Dietitian who specialises in this area can help.

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Chey WD, Kurlander J, Eswaran S. Irritable bowel syndrome: a clinical review. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2015;313(9):949–958.