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Conditions

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Doctor examining a patient with suspected IBS

They say you should always establish your nearest fire exits whenever entering a new building. But for sufferers of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), it is usually the nearest toilet facilities. IBS is one of the most common disorders of the digestive tract, with about a fifth of people in the UK experiencing occasional symptoms, which can include abdominal pain, bloating, and bouts of diarrhoea and/or constipation. The abdominal pain is usually accompanied by the loud rumbling and squeaking of gases being propelled through the intestines, which can be a great source of discomfort and embarrassment. People between the ages of 20 and 30 are most commonly affected, but it is twice as common in women as in men. The exact cause of IBS is unknown. However, there are certain things which can trigger an attack, such as stress, irregular mealtimes and, in some cases, a lack of dietary fibre. Some people even develop IBS following gut infections and food poisoning.

What the Men in White Coats Say

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hey im 19 i have recently had my first baby whose now 4 months old, I've been suffering with really bad stomach pains and when i eat it seems to just go straight through me, i have diorea, recently the stools have become harder but is a funny yellow colour and it looks like my food aint digesting properly since i have really weird bits in my stools. its only happened since ive had a baby and wont go away. please could you tell me what's wrong im worried it might be something serious.





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I'm 19 years old and have suffered from IBS for two years now, I don't get cramps or pain as much , I just don't like public places, rarely go for meals and can't go out with friends on the weekend. Everywhere I go I have to make sure I kmow where all toilets are and prefer driving so I can just go home as fast as possible. My stomach collapses so quickly I have literally 30 seconds to get to a loo, I went to the doctors but all they give me is tablets for tummy spasms which I only get just as I need the loo which isn't too helpful. Does anyone know of any medication that will help regulate the bowel movement? Any answers would be great x





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hey i ave been put on colpermin for my ibs. even thou it helps wid tummy spasms but it also regulate bowel movement. if not got back to the doctors. hope that will help

help please. im 20 and i dont know if my ibs is getting worse, im not taking my medication and most food and drink makes me fell sick and when i pass wind i have to hold my belly because it hurts when i do. im getting belly aches alot





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hey. im 20 yrs old and i have had ibs for nearly a yr.i am on medication, but im not taking it. when i eat it makes me feel sick after and when i drank redball it made me feel sick. i have been goin to bed with a belly ache and feeling sick. anyone know why





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what is the best way to help my ibs with out takings pills please help i have tryed loads of diffrent pills over last 2 years but none seem to help me.





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hey. if u dont mind me asking what pills have you tryed

for everyone who has i b s and nothing works try codine phosphate ive had i b s for 7yrs and these are only tablets that help and gets rid of the pain and the great thing is i can eat what i want hopes this helps everyone





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I'm getting pains in my stomach only in the mornings, I have to sit forward until it goes, sometimes it doesn't stop until about an hour later. my doctor reckons its IBS or a build up of acid or constipation but ive tried lots of medications which do nothing. ive also had a endoscopy and biopsy test which came back all clear. this has been going on for at least 4 yrs and starting to get me down.





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I AM 22 AND HAVE HAD I B S SINCE I WAS 14 I TAKE CODINE PHOSPHATE AND THE PAINS HAVE GONE I USED TO BE SCARED OF GOING OUT AS I DIDNT KNOW WHERE THE NEAREST LOO WAS BUT NOW TAKING THESE TABS I FORGET THAT I EVEN HAVE I B S ONLY TAKE 2 IN THE MORNING WHEN U GET UP AS THESE ARE ADDICTIVE TABLETS SEE UR DOC ABOUT THESE I HOPE THEY HELP

I have had IBS for a year and a half, been disagnosed, i mostly suffer from stomach pain, nauseau and being bloated. But the main problem for me is that sex hurts- like a pain internally, more of a dicomfort. is this from IBS? has anyone else experienced this? and is there anything i can do? i'm only 17 and scared i'll never have a sex life





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iam 19 i have got ibs too and also get pain when or after having sex i find that best way to help with the pain is to try and eat as healthy as u can and do as much fitness too hope this was helpfull.

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I'm not alone! I've had this for 5 horrible years so far. I get all these symptoms too and even the people Who know I have IBS don't really understand. It took several visits to my (unhelpful) GP who tested for coeliac disease (negative) and suggested nothing. I saw a different GP who suggested spasmonal and omeprazole tablets but these give me nausea and diarrhoea so don't really help. is anyone on any other medication that they find helpful? I avoid my "trigger" foods (oranges, bread etc ) but it doesn't matter because the urge to go is so unpredictable!





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i know what ur going through docs dont understand the pain ask ur gp for codine phosphate its a strong pain killer and it works for me try and let me know how its going

i have ibs really has took over my life i hate to eat and have to plan when to eat because you can garantee i need a poo ryt away. i am only 18 year old i hate to go on a night out with my friends incase i need the loo and their is a que at the loo's i have a 3 year old daughter and try my hardest to get to places with her i work full time starting at 9 (luckily in an office) but getting to work is so painfull as soon as i sit in a car i need the loo i find the worst bit is when im stuck in traffic nothing helps to relieve the needing of going to the loo i tried eating healthy the ryt foods bla bla bla nothing works for me ESPECIALLY not the drinks i got from my doctor if anyone knows anything i can try please i live in newcastle and is travelling to northampshire this friday and camping (great fun) so anything that will help please let me know thanx xx





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It looks like no one else has asked this question, so please fill in the rest of your details below.





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Content supplied by NHS Choices

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic (long-term) disorder that affects the digestive system. It causes abdominal pain, diarrhoea and constipation. Read More »

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