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If you’re dealing with ongoing digestive symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, or unpredictable bowel habits, you may be experiencing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Many people live with these symptoms for years without seeking help, assuming it’s just something they have to tolerate.
ON THIS PAGE
- What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
- Symptoms of IBS
- Common causes
- How Doctors Diagnose IBS
- Available treatments
- Low-FODMAP diet
- When to visit your GP
- About Dr Michael Macpherson
However, speaking with your GP can help you better understand your symptoms and find practical IBS treatment options together.
What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive condition that, with the right medical guidance and lifestyle adjustments, many people experience significant relief.
The long-term condition affects the large intestine (colon), the part of your digestive system responsible for absorbing water and forming stool.
We still don’t exactly know what causes IBS.
Although IBS can be uncomfortable and disruptive, we do know that it doesn’t damage the bowel and doesn’t increase the risk of bowel cancer.
Research suggests that around 15% of adults experience IBS, yet many people never receive a formal diagnosis or treatment.
This is where visiting an IBS clinic can be helpful, where a doctor can assess your symptoms and guide you toward effective treatment options.
Some people confuse IBS with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). IBD includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which are much more severe conditions that often require surgery.
If you’re experiencing any symptoms listed below, please see your GP, and while you’re at it, have the more serious IBD excluded.
IBS triggers and symptoms often change, so treatment options may need to be reviewed occasionally.
Common Symptoms of IBS
Symptoms of IBS can vary widely between individuals and may fluctuate over time.
Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Excess gas (flatulence)
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- A feeling that your bowel is never empty, even after having a big poo.
What Causes Irritable Bowel Syndrome
The exact cause of IBS is not fully understood. Instead, it’s thought to be influenced by several factors that affect the digestive system’s function.
Different factors or predispositions can trigger different responses in different people.
Food intolerances: Certain foods may trigger IBS symptoms in some people. When the body struggles to digest particular foods, fluid and gas can build up in the bowel, leading to bloating and discomfort.
Stress: Although unlikely to cause IBS on its own, stress can affect nerve function in the bowel wall, potentially worsening symptoms.
Low-fibre diets: A diet lacking sufficient fibre can contribute to irregular bowel movements and constipation, which may aggravate IBS symptoms.
Certain medications: Some medications, including antibiotics, painkillers, and antacids, can alter gut function and potentially trigger IBS symptoms.
Recent gastrointestinal infection: In some cases, IBS can develop after a stomach infection (gastroenteritis). However, symptoms usually pass when the bug is out of your system, and you’ve had time for your gut to recover.
How Your Doctor Diagnoses IBS
Your GP will begin by discussing your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle.
In many cases, we can diagnose IBS based on typical symptoms and by excluding other digestive conditions.
Your doctor may recommend:
- Blood tests to check for coeliac disease or nutritional deficiencies, which act as clues to other digestive problems.
- Stool tests to rule out infections or inflammation.
- Further investigations, such as a colonoscopy, if symptoms include warning signs like unexplained weight loss, rectal bleeding, or severe night-time diarrhoea.
These tests help ensure more serious conditions aren’t present, such as IBD.
Available Treatments
Although IBS doesn’t currently have a cure, many treatments can help manage symptoms effectively.
The best remedies will depend on the pattern and triggers of your symptoms.
An experienced doctor will tailor therapy to your specific symptoms and triggers. Patients I’ve seen have found relief from the following treatments.
Dietary and lifestyle changes
For many patients, adjusting diet and daily habits can significantly improve symptoms.
Helpful strategies may include:
- Increasing fibre intake (fibre supplements or raw fibre, such as psyllium husks)
- Drinking more water
- Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
- Reducing foods known to cause bloating, such as beans, onions, and cabbage
If changing eating habits is tricky, a referral to a dietitian may be in order. They’re experts in helping you plan for healthier eating and can advise on low-FODMAP diets.
Regular physical activity can also improve bowel function and reduce bloating, while promoting better physical and mental health.
Medications for constipation
If constipation is one of your main symptoms, increasing fibre and fluid intake is usually recommended first.
Your GP may also suggest certain laxatives for short-term relief. These should be used carefully and under medical advice, as some types can cause dependency.
Medications for diarrhoea
With diarrhoea being such a common (and unpredictable) symptom of IBS, many sufferers have Imodium or Gastro Stop on hand to stop the runs.
Please be aware that a period of constipation typically follows taking either of these medicines. It can be tempting to help relieve this constipation with laxatives, yet this isn’t a good idea.
If you find yourself in a vicious circle of taking constipation and anti-diarrhoea medications, we need to discuss alternative treatment plans.
Antispasmodic medications
Antispasmodic medications help relax the bowel muscles, which can reduce cramping and abdominal pain. Buscopan is a well-known example.
Herbal remedies such as Iberogast and peppermint oil are also said to reduce cramping and bloating, though scientific evidence for these treatments is still limited.
Stress management techniques
Because stress can worsen IBS symptoms, managing stress levels can be an important part of treatment.
Helpful strategies may include:
- Regular exercise
- Meditation or mindfulness practices
- Talking with a mental health professional
- Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)
- Gut-directed hypnotherapy
These approaches can improve both digestive symptoms and overall well-being.
Understanding the Low-FODMAP Diet
Many people with IBS find symptom relief by following a low-FODMAP diet.
FODMAPs are a group of short-chain carbohydrates your body can’t easily absorb. When they reach the large intestine, they ferment, producing gas.
This gas and fluid can stretch the bowel, causing symptoms such as bloating, pain, and diarrhoea, particularly in people with sensitive digestive systems.
An IBS dietitian can tailor a dietary program to address your specific symptoms while ensuring you maintain balanced nutrition.
Have a look at this video for more health information on FODMAPs and IBS.
When to Visit Your GP
If digestive symptoms are interfering with your daily life, seeking medical advice is an important step.
A GP experienced in treating IBS can help you by:
- Identifying whether your symptoms are caused by IBS
- Ruling out more serious digestive conditions
- Creating a personalised treatment plan
- Supporting long-term symptom management
With the right support, many people with IBS experience significant improvement and regain confidence in their digestive health.
Dr Michael Macpherson (BAppSc, MBBS, FRACGP) is a local GP at Doctors of South Melbourne.
His special interests include chronic disease management, men’s health, and sports medicine.
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