IBS

Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS is a complex functional gastric disorder. It causes a wide range of physical symptoms including diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, cramps and pain. Some people may only experience a few of these symptoms and others may experience them all. IBS is a condition that needs to be diagnosed by a doctor, and it is usually diagnosed after other illnesses and diseases have been ruled out, which is why IBS is sometimes described as a 'diagnosis of exclusion'.

If you have any symptoms relating to your digestion or notice any changes in your bowel habits, please consult a doctor. It is important that any physical changes are checked out.

For those who have been diagnosed with IBS, as well as experiencing physical symptoms, living with IBS can also have an impact on mental health, affecting relationships, work and daily activities. Stress and anxiety can exacerbate the symptoms of IBS by interfering with the normal processes of digestion, causing a negative cycle of physical discomfort and emotional distress.