~ Abdominal pain (mild to severe)
~ Change in bowel habits (pain, constipation or chronic diarrhoea)
~ Bloated abdomen, passing excess wind, feeling sick and indigestion.

NB These symptoms may be caused by problems other than IBS. You should visit your GP for advice.

The precise causes of IBS are not known but doctors suggest it could be brought on by a variety of things such as food, exercise, hormones and stress. It may be a combination of the above factors. However, it is generally accepted that psychological issues play a major role in triggering the symptoms.

Excess fatty foods and hot drinks such as tea or coffee may trigger IBS and symptoms may be worse after you have eaten or if you are feeling anxious. Stressful situations at work or in the home may be responsible for triggering the symptoms. Serious life events such as divorce, bereavement and redundancy are major stressors that could contribute to IBS symptoms