What happens in the gut
IBS affects communication between the gut and brain, changing bowel sensitivity and movement without visible intestinal damage.
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Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder of communication between the gut and brain. The bowel can become more sensitive, and its movement can change. Pain and bloating may occur without visible damage to the intestine. Symptoms can fluctuate over months or years.
Recognising the usual pattern
Repeated pain with changing stools, constipation, diarrhoea or bloating forms the usual pattern.
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Typical symptoms include repeated abdominal pain linked to bowel movements, with a change in stool frequency or form. Pain may improve or worsen after passing stool. Constipation, diarrhoea or both can occur, along with bloating and a feeling of incomplete emptying.
How the diagnosis is made
Diagnosis uses your symptom pattern and risk factors. Selected tests may check other causes. Colonoscopy is not automatic.
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Your clinician reviews the symptom pattern, medicines, examination and family history. Selected blood or stool tests may check for other causes, such as coeliac disease or inflammation. A colonoscopy is not automatically needed for everyone. Warning signs and individual risk guide further investigation.