Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (known as IBS) is a very common disorder of the gut that affects women more than men.

The symptoms can vary and tend to come and go.

You may experience:

Food intolerance may play a part in some cases, but the cause of IBS is unknown; however, the condition may be due to the gut nerves or muscles being over-active. There is no cure, but treatment can ease the symptoms.

If you have IBS symptoms, contact the clinic for an immediate, same-day appointment to see one of our experienced doctors.

Treating IBS

At the clinic, you will be seen by our resident doctor. The setting is confidential, clean and quiet. Appointments are made at times that suit you.

You will have a full consultation/examination with your doctor, and potential causes for your IBS will be discussed; any other serious causes for your symptoms will also be ruled out.

A full blood screen may be recommended to rule out conditions such as inflammatory bowel and coeliac disease, or thyroid disorders. Our  doctor will carry out all if the bloods tests immediately and discuss your results on a one-to-one basis. Results are often back within 24 hours and you will be given copies of the results.

During your consultation, different ways to treat your symptoms will be discussed. Your doctor will also discuss diet and management for when you go home.

A range of medications is offered by IPSA Medical. The treatment will depend on your IBS symptoms. Your doctor might recommend trialling newer medication  that has proved effective in improving IBS symptoms. Your doctor will explain how each of these medicines work and which treatment is the best option for you.

Your doctor will also discuss diet plans/lifestyle changes that work to minimise IBS symptoms and keep them under control.

If you do need any further advice/support during recovery, your doctor is available on the phone every day of the week.

A sick note can be drawn up during your consultation if you need one to cover work absences.

Is IBS Serious?

If you do have IBS, it will probably occur periodically for life.

Milder symptoms can be eased by understanding the nature of the syndrome and making lifestyle changes. Severe symptoms can often be helped with medicines.

Sometimes, IBS-type symptoms might be indicative of something more serious (for example, in women, ovarian cancer can present with similar symptoms).

If you experience IBS symptoms and are 50+, further investigations might be carried out by your doctor to rule out other, more malignant causes.

If any of the following symptoms do apply to you, then contact IPSA Medical immediately:

If you are 60+ and experience a changed bowel habit that has lasted for more than 6 weeks, contact IPSA Medical for a same-day IBS appointment or book your IBS consultation online.