Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): symptoms, causes & treatment

IBS causes recurring tummy pain, bloating and bowel habit changes — often triggered by stress, diet or gut sensitivity. Diagnosis requires excluding other causes first.

Editorial information by Kaiser Khan. Not clinically reviewed.

Symptoms

Abdominal pain relieved by opening bowels
Bloating
Diarrhoea, constipation or alternating
Mucus in stool
Symptoms for months

Why it happens

Gut-brain axis dysfunction, food triggers, stress and post-infection changes. Not caused by a single food allergy in most cases.

Treatment

Diet changes (low FODMAP with dietitian support), stress management, and prescription options for constipation or diarrhoea-predominant IBS after GP assessment.

Self-care that helps

Food diary, regular meals, limit caffeine and alcohol, peppermint oil for bloating, stress reduction.

When to get help

Blood in stool, weight loss, fever or symptoms starting after age 50 — need GP investigation, not self-labelled IBS.

See our irritable bowel syndrome (ibs) support →

Go deeper

Related guides

IBS symptoms and treatment UK: what helps and when to see a GP

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in the UK — symptoms, diagnosis, diet changes, prescription options and red flags that need investigation.

Available without prescription

Products that can help

Everyday health