Irritable bowel syndrome

What is irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional disorder of the gut. (The gut includes the bowels.)

A functional disorder means there is a problem with the function of a part of the body, but there is no abnormality in the structure. So, in IBS, the function of the gut is upset, but all parts of the gut look normal, even when looked at under a microscope. IBS causes various symptoms (listed below).

Up to 1 in 5 people in the UK develop IBS at some stage in their life. IBS can affect anyone at any age, but it commonly first develops in young adults and teenagers. IBS is twice as common in women as in men.

What are the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome?

Pain and discomfort may occur in different parts of the abdomen. Pain usually comes and goes. The length of each bout of pain can vary greatly.

The pain often eases when you pass stools (motions or faeces) or wind. Many people with IBS describe the pain as a spasm or colic. The severity of the pain can vary from mild to severe, both from person to person, and from time to time in the same person.


Bloating and swelling of your abdomen may develop from time to time. You may pass more wind than usual.

Stools (sometimes called motions or faeces):
Some people have bouts of diarrhoea, and some have bouts of constipation.

Some people have bouts of diarrhoea that alternate with bouts of constipation.
Sometimes the stools become small and pellet-like. Sometimes the stools become watery or ribbon. At times, mucus may be mixed with the stools.

You may have a feeling of not emptying your rectum after going to the toilet.

Some people have urgency, which means you have to get to the toilet quickly. A ‘morning rush’ is common. That is, you feel an urgent need to go to the toilet several times shortly after getting up. This is often during and after breakfast.

Sam Weller
wellerassociates