So... What exactly is IBS?

IBS stands for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It is a disorder that affects the large intestine. Whilst there isn’t one definitive cause, it is believed to be a combination of different factors such as:

• Heightened sensitivity to pain and discomfort in the digestive tract
• Changes in the gut microbiome
• Triggers such as stress, diet or hormonal changes.

You can read more about these on the Causes of IBS page!

As a result of these causes, people can experience a wide-range of symptoms. Some of which can really affect quality of life. Symptoms include:

• Abdominal cramping
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Bloating
• Excessive gas
• Changes to stool consistency

Here’s the tricky bit about IBS. It’s classed as a ‘functional gastrointestinal disorder’ as the intestines look fine but they just aren’t working properly. This is why it can be difficult to treat. It’s not like a broken bone where you can do a simple X-Ray and work out the problem. You can read more about a GP/doctor would diagnose IBS.

However, don’t give up! Although IBS can be embarrassing and annoying, there are a number of different ways you can find relief. This website is dedicated to showing you all the different treatments that can help. It might take a while to see which treatment will work, and not all of them will, yet if you keep at it you can hopefully improve your symptoms a great deal.