IBS is a functional bowel disorder with no known organic cause, closely related to stress, characterised by changes in bowel habits such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation.
Rome IV Diagnostic Criteria
Recurrent abdominal pain at least 1 day per week in the last 3 months, associated with at least two of the following: relief with defecation, change in stool frequency, change in stool consistency.
Types
IBS-Constipation predominant (IBS-C), IBS-Diarrhoea predominant (IBS-D), IBS-Mixed (IBS-M) and Unclassified IBS.
Triggers
Stress and anxiety, food intolerances (gluten, lactose, FODMAPs), hormonal changes and previous bowel infections.
Treatment
Low-FODMAP diet, fibre adjustment, probiotics, antispasmodics, laxatives or antidiarrhoeals, and psychotherapeutic support when needed.