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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

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I suffer from depression and also IBS, so I find it very hard to ever feel normal. I am constantly bloated with severe stomach cramps, one day being constipated and the next having diarrohea and am always tired. I do alot of exercise and cut out carbs for the purpose of training, I found that when I did it helped, however I cant always avoid carbs but when I eat them or am slightly down I am in discomfort again. I also get heart burn, pain around my belly button and my stomach or lower abdomen feels tender to touch. Is this all normal for IBS or should I go speak to my doctor incase it is anything worse?

i am a 55yr old female,in good health,i have a under active thyroid gland.had my gall bladder removed 2yrs ago,i am still having problems with it as my stomach is still sore,feeling full and bloated,have been given fibre to take in a drink,i am on a low fat diet,do not have any thing fried only grilled.eat only wholemeal bread and have porridge for breakfast,dont know what i can do to relive these symptoms,as im following a healthy diet

hi im currently in hotpital nd have been for a week i have most symptons that r decribed at the top of the page, it has not been a nice procedure to find out my problem which the doctors are still looking for its taking some tym nd a lot of discomfort which no doubt i will benafit from in the long run, but although i have most symptoms thats described they can not work out what i have ive been tested for a lot of things nd still nothing whats your comments on this ?

I've been diagnosed with severe IBS and it gets worse around the time of my menstruation. I have problems with flatulence and cramping. Is there anything I can do?

I'm 40 and have suffered since my teeage years with IBS,cramps and then diahera ,but the worst part is the gas, i'm always full of wind. if I have to go to a meeting I dread it and the stress makes it worse. I can't see a pattern in my eating to know what triggers it except for oats, its the only food I know I can't take.

I have severe constipation and then it goes the opposite way sometimes, I have started taking these laxitives which does help sometimes but I am scared that I am geting addicted to them too much now as I am taking them 5 times a day. I never go and stay with people as I worry about what is going to happen when I am there and I worry if my partner might find out about it too as I am also too scared to talk about it too. Please can you advise me on what to do? Thanks

i have had ibs for 20years and it is getting worsa wot can i do

I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY STOOLS FOR A WHILE NOW QUITE LIGHT IN COLOUR.PLUS WHEN I URINATE I HAVE TO REALLY TENSE TO GET WHATS IN THERE OUT AND DONT FEEL SATISFIED IS THERE ANYTHING TO WORRY ABOUT? I DO DRINK A LOT OF ALCOHOL BETWEEN 2-4 CANS PER NIGHT AND EAT QUITE FATTY FOODS

I have bad stomache pain, been like it for just over 2 weeks, quite alot of gas. and heartburn!

I have been having diarrhea for a few weeks now I wasn't sure why. I am now suffering with pain sort of behind my belly button, its a horrible feeling. Could it be IBS?




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