10/05/2026
Working as a nurse in high-pressure environments, I've seen how digestive symptoms affects the quality of life, confidence, sleep, work and mental wellbeing.
In this post, I explain:
■What IBS is
■Common symptoms
■Possible triggers
■The difference between IBS and IBD
■Simple ways IBS can be managed
■ When to seek medical advice
What Is IBS?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, commonly called IBS, is a long-term digestive/abdominal pain or discomfort with altered stool forms or frequency for up to or more than 6 months.
It mainly affects the large intestine (colon),
sometimes the lower digestive tract.
IBS does not usually damage the bowel permanently, but it can significantly affect:
◇Comfort,
◇Confidence,
◇Eating habits,
◇Sleep,
◇Work,
◇Social life,
◇Mental wellbeing.
Common Symptoms of IBS which can come and go in “flare-ups.” includes:
◇Abdominal cramps,
◇Bloating,
◇Excessive gas/wind,
◇Diarrhoea,
◇Constipation,
◇Alternating diarrhoea and constipation,
◇Feeling like you haven’t emptied your bowel properly,
◇Mucus in stool,
◇Urgency to use the toilet.
Some people also experience:
◇Fatigue,
◇Nausea,
◇Back pain,
◇Anxiety linked to symptoms.
What Causes IBS?
The exact cause is not fully understood, but can be linked to:
◇Sensitive intestines,
◇Abnormal bowel movement patterns,
◇Stress and anxiety,
◇Food triggers,
◇Previous gut infection
◇Common triggers:
◇Stress,
◇Caffeine,
◇Spicy foods,
◇Fatty foods,
◇Alcohol,
◇Poor sleep,
◇Irregular meals.
Difference between IBS and IBD
What happens in IBS:
◇Functional bowel disorder
◇No visible bowel damage
◇Not inflammatory
◇Symptoms can still be more severe
IBD Includes:
◇Crohn's Disease
◇Ulcerative Colitis
IBD causes:
◇Inflammation,
◇Bowel damage,
◇Bleeding,
◇Ulcers.
How IBS Is Managed
There is no single cure, but many people improve with:
◇Dietary changes,
◇Stress management,
◇Regular meals,
◇Hydration,
◇Exercise,
◇Improved sleep,
◇Identifying triggers,
◇Medication when needed.
When To Seek Medical Advice
See a doctor urgently if symptoms include:
◇Blood in stool,
◇Unexplained weight loss,
◇Persistent vomiting,
◇Severe abdominal pain,
◇Anaemia,
◇Family history of bowel cancer or IBD.
This guide is for educational purpose only, does not replace professional medical advice.
