ibs

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a long-term (chronic) gastrointestinal condition. In other words, it is a condition that affects the digestive system.

The main symptoms of IBS are abdominal pain and discomfort, episodes of constipation and/or diarrhoea, and bloating of the abdomen.

The symptoms of IBS can fluctuate. There may be times when your symptoms are particularly troublesome, and times when you experience no symptoms at all.

Although IBS poses no serious threat to health, it can have an adverse effect on a person's quality of life. The exact causes of IBS are unknown.

How common is IBS?

IBS is one of the most common gastrointestinal conditions. It is estimated that 10-20% of the UK's population are affected by IBS at any one time, although this figure may be higher because many people with the condition do not report their symptoms to their GP.

IBS is twice as common in women as it is in men. The condition normally develops in people who are between 20-30 years of age, but it can affect people of any age.