IBS

IBS or Irritable bowel syndrome is a difficult to treat, debilitating condition that affects approximately 4-11 % of people

The diagnosis of IBS is not a diagnosis of exclusion anymore and the new ROME IV criteria differentiates between three different types of IBS namely IBS with diarrhoea, IBS with constipation and IBS-mixed

Pain is always the predominant symptom in IBS

Risk factors for IBS include

• Smoking
• Female gender
• Age
• Post infectious
• Depression

The American College of Gastroenterology suggests a low FODMAP diet. This is mostly achieved with the help of a dietitian. Treatment will also be tailored based on the type of IBS and is unlikely to be a one-size-fits-all strategy

IBS patient will benefit from the following

• dietary changes
• medication, 
• CBT, 
• CBT apps and 
• exercise