IBS is one of the most common reasons for a visit to the GP. As many as 1 in 8 people have symptoms of IBS at any one time. Once diagnosed, and given help most people can find effective ways of living with their IBS. The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provide guidelines that doctors can follow when diagnosing and treating people with IBS. NICE also produce Quality Standards for IBS and these standards show what good service provision should look like. There are four standards currently: Live/bio yoghurts e.g. Loseley, Onken, Nestle LC1, Provamel, Natural Yofu, Danone Activa and fermented milk drinks e.g. Yakult, Actimel or Neslte LC1contain cultures (bacteria). These bacteria may help further digestion of food in the lower part of the gut. This may reduce symptoms of wind and bloating. However, the amount of live bacteria in different products vary and cannot be This may be done with a dietitian. Keeping a food diary together with a record of bowel symptoms. This may show which foods cause the most problems or whether there is some other pattern. Foods which commonly cause abdominal upset include wheat products, dairy products, onions, nuts and caffeine-containing drinks such as coffee, tea and cola. Some patients cannot digest lactose (the sugar in milk) and so develop wind and diarrhoea after taking large amounts of milk or dairy products, which can include cream, cheese, yoghurt and chocolate. Healthy eating habits Hypnotherapy and relaxation therapy: These have both been shown to be effective for some people but it is unclear whether they improve bowel symptoms. Hypnotherapy can be obtained through approved therapists who should be members of the British Association of Clinical and Academic Hypnotherapists. Ask about a type of therapy called gut directed hypnotherapy. Your GP can advise on counselling, and some specialists believe that a psychological treatment called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can be useful. How can I self-manage my irritable bowel syndrome?

These symptoms are not usually associated with IBS but may be associated with other diseases. If you experience any of these, even if you have had IBS for some time, you should see your doctor as soon as possible: You may find it helpful to keep a diary of your diet and symptoms as you make these changes. This will remind you of what has helped. Read on for advice on steps 1 and 2. It is not known exactly what caused IBS. In some cases, symptoms may start after having a tummy bug or a stressful life event. Make the most of your leisure time and take time to relax. Stressful situations can make IBS worse. Try to find out what affects you. Relaxation tapes, yoga, aromatherapy or massage may help.

Guts UK is committed to fighting all digestive diseases.

The purpose of a PSP is to identify and prioritise the unanswered questions for certain medical conditions, or areas of health. Translocation is the migration of live bacteria through epithelial membrane to lamina propria and then to mesenteric lymph nodes and possibly to other tissues. Weakening the functions of the immune system work and as a result the growth of mucosa permeability allows to pathogen relocation around the organism. It has been proven that applying L. plantarum 299v to laboratory animals reduces bacteria relocation from the digestive tract lumen to blood and other organs and tissues in the organism. New drugs are being developed, some of which may help patients whose main symptom is diarrhoea and others who tend to be constipated. Some of these newer agents are not yet available to doctors to prescribe but it does seem likely that a wider range of treatments will be available to patients with IBS in the near future. Other treatments guaranteed. You will need to take these every day for at least 4 weeks for them to work. It may also help to try another brand containing a different bacteria, if the first hasn’t helped. Considering that people should have had a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease ruled out before providing a diagnosis of IBS.

Drink plenty of fluid – at least 8 cups a day (but not all tea, coffee or fizzy drinks as these can worsen symptoms. Alcohol can also make symptoms worse). Water, sugar-free squash and herbal teas are good choices.

Symptoms that may be of concern

Giving a positive diagnosis depending on symptoms meeting the diagnosis criteria for IBS and not just based on a process of excluding other diagnosis. Testing that may be required is listed.