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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

Comments and Questions

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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 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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I have been suffering with chronic pains in my tummy after everything i eat. Each time I do eat something I have to go to the loo,I suffer from really bad wind all the time,this has been going on for years its really getting me down. I have severe backache on and off aswell. My doctor says its ibs but is it.I'm worried it could be something more serious I've lost weight recently and people have said how skinny I look which is worrying me alot





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I have sufferd with this since i was 15/16yrs old. I have to make sure were ever i go there is a toilet very near by as an attack can come on from an instant to 10-20mins. The pain is excurciating, has me doubled up in pain coupled with groaning sounds from my stomach, this usualy lasts about 10-15mins before the release of a stool,Afterwards im fine but am loose all the rest of that day. I havent found what triggers it via food but i have noticed stress makes it worse.





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im 31 and ive been suffering for over two years. i find living with this hard as im a busy mother of four young children. i went to my g.p and was sent for tests as ive had excessive weight loss due to this illness. ive had mri pelvis, colonoscopy and rectal biopsies all came back clear. im fed up and sick of having this rule my life.





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i suffer from IBS and although i know certain food can trigger it-although i have not yet worked out which ones-the main trigger i find is stress related. last year i got a new, well paid, high responsibility therfore stressful job and my IBS was at its worst ever. i tried medication but soon realised it wasnt worth putting my body through this so got another job-less responsibility, less pay but equally as satisfying and have to say my IBS is almost cured! i only seem to be affected now at the most unconvenient times like standing in a queue or waiting 15mins for a parking space, taking 3 steps into a shop and getting the urgent urge for the loo-why is this? my mother is exactly the same





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I wake up in the morning. Have a poo. Get of the toilet. 10 minutes later I'm back on the toilet pooing again. And again 10 minutes after that. Then again after that when I get to work. All in all I poo 5 or 6 times a day. All the poos are loose. Often quite runny. I've had blood coming from there for the past few years that comes and goes. I'm not in any pain or discomfort but am starting to get worried.





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i have IBS and with research i've realised that everyone suffers differently and to varying extremes. i would suggest you visit your GP and tell them about the on-off blood symptom (is it fresh blood-possibly internal piles, or darker blood). keep a basic diary of events, especially daily stuff like the 5-6 poos a day and what other symptoms you have (wind, cramps, etc if any).i promise they've seem and heard it all before and will help. if the person you see doesn't seem helpful, don't give up, see someone else. you shouldn't have to suffer when there are many remedies to help and if anything it will put your mind at rest. good luck and best wishes.

hi im 23 and have had bowel problems since i can remember !!! im a mum to three and it really interfears with my life . i suffer with server diahorrea . it became worse when i was pregnant with my second child . it only happens at night (server diahorrea , temp , back pain a really bad burning pain in both my back and lower abdomen sometimes vomit . left achey and sore . could happen evey night for weeks then just stop ? might not have then for few weeks but suffer every day from stomach ache bloatedness and back pain and extreme tiredness untill starts again ? any one with any advise PLEASE share ??? nothing starts it it does just happen thanku x x





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I think I have IBS. Sometimes I get diarrhoea real bad and bad wind. I have tried to eat different foods but it does'nt make a difference. I don't want to be on the show, just want to talk to someone about my condition. Can anyone help?





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hi joe,everyone who has IBS has different symptoms and i'd reccomend you see your GP to confirm if this is the case. depending on your age and when the symptoms started will tell them if it is IBS or something else like food intolerance/allergy, etc. mine gets triggered by stress, certain foods (usually yummy ones i like best!) and i control mine with diet,medication and eating small meals regularly. it doesn't cure it but i find it helps control the worst symptoms so i can get on with life. don't suffer and worry and get it checked out.there are loads of info sites about digestive stuff that can help whatever yours is,and it will help you control it. P.S. i find eating dried fruit gives me room-clearing BAD eggy wind as the sulphites upset your gut! not nice...! good luck. x

Everytime i eat my stomache goes massive, even if it is something small or even a drink. Why is this? and how can i avoid it?





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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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