What is IBS?

Eimear Nee, the Allcare Pharmacy trainer, discusses IBS symptoms and ways of managing it.

What are the symptoms of IBS?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive condition. Typical symptoms of IBS include:

• Abdominal cramping
• Bloating
• Wind
• Constipation or diarrhoea

Symptoms vary greatly between individuals and can range from mild to severe. IBS is generally a long-term condition and is more common in women than men. It tends to occur in episodes and symptoms may be absent or reduced between flare ups.

What are the causes of IBS?

The exact cause of IBS is unknown. It has been linked to stress, over-sensitive nerves in the gut and there is often a family history associated with the condition. IBS flare ups can happen for no obvious reason, but there are common triggers.

What are common IBS triggers?

Common triggers tend to be:

• Stress or anxiety
• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Certain foods e.g. spicy / fatty foods.

Should I visit my doctor if I think I have IBS?

Yes, if you think you might have IBS, you should see your doctor. Your doctor may diagnose IBS based upon your symptoms and after excluding other conditions which closely resemble IBS e.g. coeliac disease, a bowel infection or inflammatory bowel disease.

How can IBS be managed?

Although there is no cure for IBS, dietary changes, stress minimisation and medicines may help to control the symptoms.

• Monitoring and avoiding foods which make your symptoms worse
  • A food diary can help to identify which foods trigger your symptoms
  • Eat regular meals and avoid skipping meals
  • Reduce common dietary triggers e.g. caffeine, alcohol, fatty / spicy / processed foods
  • Cook meals from scratch where possible to control intake of your dietary triggers

• Exercise and relaxation measures
  • Some people find that cognitive behavioural therapy can help to reduce their flare ups

• Medicines, tailored to your individual symptoms.
  • Several of these are available ‘over the counter’. You should see your doctor to determine whether you have IBS before commencing these medicines.
  • Antispasmodic medicines can help to relieve spasms and cramps in the digestive tract e.g. Buscopan, Colpermin
  • Antidiarrhoeal medicines can help to manage diarrhoea episodes e.g. Arret
  • Laxative medicines can help to relive constipation

• Probiotics
  • Certain probiotic strains such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains e.g. B. infantis, L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus, and L. acidophilus may be helpful in reducing the occurrence of IBS flare ups e.g. AYA Ultimate 10 Billion

Your Allcare Pharmacy team will be able to support you and advise you on the most appropriate medicine(s) for you, if appropriate. Speak to your GP if you think you might have IBS or if you have other symptoms such as blood or mucus in your stool. If you are not finding enough relief from ‘over the counter’ medicines, your doctor will be able to prescribe you other medicines to reduce your symptoms.

Product Suggestion