Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

IBS is usually a lifelong condition which most commonly affects younger adults aged 20 to 30 years; the prevalence decreases with age. IBS can be frustrating to live with and it can have a big impact on a person’s everyday life. The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but it is thought to involve a mixture of environmental and genetic factors. It has been linked to oversensitive nerves in the colon, bacterial infections of the GI tract such as gastroenteritis, stress and a family history of IBS.^1,2

Symptoms of IBS^3,4

The main symptoms of IBS are:

• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Bloating
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation. 

Some people with IBS experience other symptoms, including flatulence, nausea or lack of energy. Symptoms may come and go over time; they may last for days, weeks or months at a time. Some people may experience diarrhoea or constipation, while others may experience both. Abdominal pain and cramps may be worse after eating and relieved after a bowel movement.

Make sure you are referring customers experiencing IBS symptoms to a doctor and ensure customers are diagnosed by their GP before using OTC treatments.

IBS flare-ups³

People with IBS may find that there are days when their symptoms are better and days when they experience flare-ups. IBS flare-ups sometimes have no obvious reason, but they may be triggered by certain food or drinks.

IBS in women⁵

IBS is more common in women than men. Women may have symptoms around the time of their period or their symptoms may be worse at this time. Some women may say that their IBS symptoms get worse during pregnancy and women tend to have fewer IBS symptoms after the menopause compared to women who are still menstruating.