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Could it be IBS?

Understanding your gut - what's really going on?

Have you had an IBS diagnosis?

Is this the first time you've read about IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)? If so, it's important to get a proper medical diagnosis before making assumptions.

Why? The symptoms of IBS can mirror more serious conditions which need to be eliminated first. Issues such as bloating, diarrhoea, constipation and stomach pain are all common in other conditions such as coeliac disease, IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) and food intolerances. It's vital you speak to your GP and ensure you rule other options out as catching things early can help prevent long-term damage.

Don't like doctors? Been misdiagnosed too many times?

I understand! I was misdiagnosed multiple times before I got an accurate diagnosis of coeliac disease. But a year later my symptoms came back and it transpired I also had IBS.

So if you've not yet had a doctor confirm it's IBS, it's time to make that appointment. If you have had your diagnosis and you're keen to find a better way to manage things, click the button below.

What do your symptoms mean?

So what exactly is IBS?

Sadly, there's no specific test

Annoyingly, there's no straightforward way of diagnosing IBS. It's often diagnosed when everything else has been ruled out. The good news is that it's not life-threatening and you won't get further health complications down the line. The bad news is it can be a real drain on your quality of life, with everything from affecting your mental health to your ability to pass stools.

But with the right approach, IBS can be managed so it doesn't become a daily burden. In fact, with my help, you can look forward to it being a thing of the past.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

(FAQS)

Can IBS suddenly happen?

Yes, you may have experienced a stressful event or feel like it developed after a gastric-related illness. Or you may not feel like there's a trigger at all.

Is a food intolerance the same as IBS?

In short, no. A food intolerance may occur with a specific food whereas IBS is a broader condition which may include reactions to multiple foods or be caused by things other than food, including brain-gut communication and bacterial changes in the gut.

Can stress trigger IBS symptoms?

Yes. This is something I explore deeply in my work at Life on a Rice Cake.

Is IBS something I'll have for life?

With the right approach, many people won't have to endure the symptoms of IBS again. However, you may need to adopt some lifestyle changes in order to achieve this.

Is my fatigue caused by IBS?

If you've checked with your doctor it's not something else first, rest-assured many people experiencing IBS feel tired, even if they've slept well. This may be due to poor nutrient absorption, inflammation, or simply the emotional burden of dealing with pain.

Will I lose weight with IBS?

Weight loss is not a symptom of IBS. If you're losing weight and haven't deliberately made any dietary changes, make sure you see your doctor to find out what's really going on.

Can IBS show up on a scan or a test?

No. There's no one test to show a patient has IBS. Diagnosis is made when other conditions have been ruled out.

Should I take probiotics to lessen the symptoms of IBS?

There are specific probiotics you can take to relieve the pain, like Ferrocalm, but not all probiotics are the same and it's worth checking with your medical specialist what will work for you.

Does IBS affect children?

Not usually. Make sure you take your child to a medical specialist to rule out other problems.

Does IBS change over time?

Annoyingly, it can, which can make it frustrating for the sufferer. Some people find they have constipation, then diarrhoea, or both at the same time, while others have been pain-free for years only to discover a new flare-up.

Will I be sick if I get IBS?

Some people experience nausea but it's not as common as other symptoms like bloating, distension and diarrhoea. If you've just eaten and feel nauseous, speak to your doctor to check there isn't another issue to deal with.

Can IBS be caused by changing hormones?

Some people report finding symptoms get worse at times in their menstrual cycle. It's important to talk this over with your doctor to ensure there isn't another issue to deal with, like endometriosis.

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