IBS is a very common gut problem, affecting at least 1 in 5 people at some point in their lives. Sometimes the symptoms can be mild and a minor nuisance, but for some people the symptoms can be extremely disruptive and distressing. There is no specific test for IBS, diagnosis is made by assessing your symptoms and excluding other causes. Management involves dietary changes for most and drug treatments and probiotics for some. It is important for people to self-manage their symptoms too and to consider the effects of stress, poor sleep and an inactive lifestyle, which can all worsen symptoms. www.theibsnetwork.org has great tips on self-care in IBS.
