This is a common condition, which is a chronic (long-term) disorder that affects the digestive system.
It is estimated that 10-20% of the UK’s population is affected by IBS at any one time.
This is more common in women than in men. This causes abdominal pain, diarrhea and constipation.
Symptoms of IBS:
As there is no exact cause for IBS, there are some of the most common symptoms. They are;
- Bloating and swelling of your abdomen.
- Change of bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation, or sometimes both.
- Passing mucus from your rectum.
- Abdominal pain and cramping which is often relieved by emptying your bowel.
- A feeling that you have not fully emptied your bowel.
The symptoms of IBS can fluctuate. At times you may experience troublesome symptoms and at times you may experience no symptoms at all.
Treatment:
There is no cure for IBS, but diet changes and medicines can often help control the symptoms
Some of the general tips to relieve Irritable bowel Syndrome (IBS) are;
- Get plenty of exercises
- Avoid food items that triggers your IBS
- Find ways to relax yourself
- Do not delay or skip meals
- Do not eat lots of fatty, spicy or processed foods
- Do not drink lots of alcohol or fizzy drinks
- Dink plenty of water
‘Ask Gogodoc About’ is an educational series providing information on various symptoms, pains, and disorders. (*intended for educational purposes only. If you are experiencing symptoms, please reach out to book an online GP consultation with a Gogodoc GP.) Talk to a doctor online at a time that suits you from home with a phone or video appointment. You can easily book an appointment with a GP.
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