Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive issue that can affect both physical and mental well-being. Symptoms like bloating, gas, cramps, and unpredictable bowel movements can disrupt daily life and leave people feeling frustrated.

Managing IBS starts with understanding the cause of your symptoms. By exploring what’s behind them, you can avoid wasting time on strategies that don't work. This article covers:

• What IBS is and how it’s diagnosed
• How to rule out other potential causes of digestive issues
• Key triggers that can affect IBS symptoms

Investigating other causes

Before managing IBS, it’s important to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. Bloating, cramping, and bowel changes could be caused by issues like:

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): A more serious condition causing inflammation in the gut.
• Coeliac disease: An immune reaction to gluten, found in foods like bread, pasta, and baked goods.
• Infections: Certain gut infections can cause cramping and changes in bowel habits.

If you experience any of the following, it’s essential to speak to a healthcare professional:

• Significant changes in bowel habits (like sudden constipation, diarrhoea, or changes in stool consistency).
• Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite.
• Blood in the stool (red or black stools that look like tar).
• Severe or persistent abdominal pain that doesn’t improve.
• Ongoing fatigue or fever.

These symptoms may point to a more serious condition that needs treatment. Your doctor may recommend blood tests, stool samples, or imaging scans to investigate further.

What is IBS?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects the large intestine and can cause:

• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Bloating or a feeling of fullness
• Changes in bowel habits, like diarrhoea, constipation, or both

Unlike other digestive conditions, there is no single test for IBS. A diagnosis is made by ruling out other possible causes of your symptoms.

Once other issues have been ruled out, a healthcare professional can help you create a personalised plan to manage your IBS. Since IBS affects everyone differently, your approach will depend on your triggers, lifestyle, and preferences.

What triggers IBS?

There’s no single cause of IBS, but certain triggers can make symptoms worse. Recognising these triggers is a key part of managing IBS. Here are some of the most common factors:

• Stress: There is a strong link between the gut and the brain. Stress can trigger or worsen symptoms.
• Food sensitivities: Certain foods, like wheat, dairy (lactose), and artificial sweeteners, may cause issues for some people. Foods high in fibre, which are healthy for many, can sometimes worsen IBS symptoms for others.
• Hormonal changes: People often report worse IBS symptoms during certain phases of their menstrual cycle.
• Gut bacteria imbalance: The bacteria in your gut (also known as your microbiome) play a role in digestion. An imbalance in these bacteria may contribute to IBS.

Identifying your personal triggers can be challenging, but with time and observation, patterns often emerge.

Understanding bloating

Bloating is a feeling of tightness, swelling, or fullness in the stomach. It can happen for a number of reasons, including:

• Gas build-up in the stomach or intestines.
• Overeating or eating too quickly.
• Eating certain foods (like high FODMAP foods — more on this in another article).

Bloating can be uncomfortable, but in most cases, it’s temporary. By slowing down when eating, chewing food properly, and avoiding certain trigger foods, you may be able to reduce bloating.

When to explore IBS management strategies

Once serious conditions have been ruled out and your doctor believes IBS or another functional digestive issue is likely, you can focus on managing your symptoms.

Since IBS is a highly individual condition, the strategies that work for one person may not work for another. It’s important to take a personalised approach and work closely with your healthcare provider.

Here are some possible ways to manage IBS:

• Dietary changes: You may explore dietary strategies, like the low FODMAP diet, which focuses on reducing certain types of fermentable carbohydrates that are harder to digest.
• Lifestyle changes: Stress management techniques, like relaxation exercises or mindfulness, may support better gut health.
• Food diaries: Keeping track of what you eat and how you feel afterward can help identify triggers.
• Gut health support: Eating a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy gut microbiome may improve symptoms.

At Roczen, we understand that IBS is not the same for everyone. That’s why we encourage a tailored approach that suits your body, lifestyle, and preferences. What works for one person may not work for another, so it’s important to listen to your body and seek support when needed.

Summary

IBS can have a big impact on your quality of life, but it’s possible to manage it with the right strategies. The first step is to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms, like coeliac disease, infections, or IBD. Once your healthcare provider confirms a diagnosis of IBS, you can work with them to find an approach that works for you.

IBS is different for everyone, so management strategies should be personalised. Some people may benefit from dietary changes like low FODMAP foods, while others may need to focus on managing stress or supporting their gut health.

If you’re unsure how to manage IBS, speak to a healthcare professional for personalised advice. Everyone’s journey with IBS is unique, but with the right approach, it is possible to reduce symptoms and feel more in control of your digestive health.