IBS commonly causes stomach pain or cramps, bloating, diarrhoea, or constipation
Symptoms often worsen after eating and ease after going to the toilet
Symptoms can flare up and settle down over time
Flare-ups are sometimes triggered by certain foods, drinks, or stress
See a GP if you think you may have IBS and symptoms have lasted over 4 weeks
Common Symptoms
The main symptoms of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) include stomach pain or cramps, which tend to be worse after eating and often ease after passing a stool, along with bloating that can make the tummy feel uncomfortably full and swollen. Some people experience diarrhoea, with watery stools and sudden urges to go, while others have constipation, involving straining and a feeling of not fully emptying the bowels — some people experience a mix of both at different times.
Symptoms tend to come and go, with better days and worse days (flare-ups), and these flare-ups can sometimes be linked to particular foods or drinks.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
IBS Symptoms · Triggers
What Can Trigger Symptoms, and Other Effects
? 4 min readReviewed: March 2024
Possible Triggers
IBS flare-ups can happen without any obvious cause, but common triggers include alcohol, caffeine, certain foods such as spicy or fatty meals, stress and anxiety, and regular antibiotic use.
Other Symptoms
Alongside the main symptoms, IBS can also cause increased flatulence, passing mucus with stools, tiredness and low energy, feeling sick, backache, and bladder-related symptoms such as needing to pee frequently, sudden urges, or a feeling of incomplete emptying. Some people also experience difficulty controlling bowel movements, or pelvic pain.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
IBS Symptoms · Getting Help
When to Get Help
? 4 min readReviewed: March 2024
Seeing a GP
See a GP if you think you might have IBS and have had symptoms for more than four weeks. They can assess your symptoms and arrange tests to help confirm IBS and rule out other possible causes.
?? Ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if:
You've lost a significant amount of weight for no clear reason; you're bleeding from your bottom or have bloody diarrhoea; you notice a hard lump or swelling in your tummy; or you have shortness of breath, noticeable heartbeats (palpitations), and skin that's paler than usual. These could be signs of something more serious that needs prompt assessment.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
