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London Digestive Health
Irritable bowel syndrome
Find out how IBS is diagnosed and managed
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterised by a change in how the bowel is working, often resulting in constipation and/or diarrhoea, and the presence of abdominal pain. Other symptoms include abdominal bloating, an urgent need to go to the toilet and a feeling of incomplete emptying when opening your bowels.
IBS can be triggered by different causes, such as:
- Gut infections
- Bowel muscle, nerve or connective tissue defects
- Adverse reaction to certain foods
- Stress and anxiety
The exceptional screening facilities at London Digestive Centre mean our LDH consultants have access to a range of diagnostic tests for patients with IBS symptoms.
Tests include:
- Blood tests
- A colonoscopy or gastroscopy to look directly into the stomach and large bowel
- CT or MRI scans to assess your abdomen
What treatment options are available for IBS?
There are a range of treatment options available to help manage IBS, particularly dietary changes which your LDH dietitian can recommend after we have identified foods that trigger your condition. Medications that slow the bowel down (for diarrhoea), or speed the bowel up (laxatives, for constipation) can also be helpful.
Whilst this is not always easy to achieve, reducing life stresses can have a positive impact on IBS symptoms. Your LDH consultant will discuss this in detail with you, including alternative therapy options such as hypnotherapy and acupuncture.