Irritable Bowel Syndrome

📖What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome is a common chronic disorder affecting the large intestine, characterised by a cluster of symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits without any identifiable structural or biochemical abnormality on standard testing. It is classified as a functional gastrointestinal disorder, meaning the gut appears structurally normal but does not function properly, likely due to abnormal gut-brain signalling, altered gut motility, and heightened sensitivity to normal digestive processes. Symptoms can vary considerably between individuals and may be predominantly diarrhoea, predominantly constipation, or a mix of both, often fluctuating over time. While irritable bowel syndrome does not increase the risk of more serious conditions such as colon cancer, it can significantly affect quality of life due to its chronic and often unpredictable nature. Management focuses on identifying individual triggers and combining dietary, lifestyle, and medication strategies to control symptoms.

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