Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic (long-term) condition that affects the digestive system.

IBS symptoms vary from person to person, but the most commonly associated symptoms tend to be abdominal pain and bowel issues including diarrhoea and/or constipation.

Symptoms can often disappear for a period of time until factors such as increased stress or anxiety or certain foods trigger a flare-up.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms associated with IBS include:

• diarrhoea
• constipation
• diarrhoea and constipation alternating
• abdominal aches and cramping
• fatigue (tiredness)
• bloating
• flatulence

Diagnosis

 
Your GP will initially ask you a wide range of questions about your symptoms to understand how long you’ve been experiencing these symptoms; how frequent they are and if there are certain triggers that tend to aggravate your symptoms such as: foods or anxiety. Your GP will then examine your abdomen to check for lumps or swelling.

There are no specific tests designed to diagnose IBS, however, after examining your abdomen your GP may conduct some tests to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms.

If following the assessment, your GP suspects that you have IBS, they’ll give you an insight into the condition and let you know what your options are in terms of treatment.

Treatment

Although there is no cure for IBS, lifestyle measures such as having a regulated sleep pattern, regular exercise and self-care can help you to manage symptoms. In addition to this, dietary changes may be required in order to avoid certain foods that act as triggers in your flare-ups and introduce elements such as high-fibre foods. Counselling is also recommended in cases where anxiety and/or depression are key contributing factors in provoking an individual’s flare-up.

You can use your private medical insurance or pay for your Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) treatment. We offer competitive, fixed price packages. If you are using your health insurance, please contact your insurer first for approval and let them know you’d like to be treated at One Hatfield Hospital.

Why One Hatfield

• Modern purpose-built hospital opened in December 2017
• Fast access to diagnostics including MRI, X-ray and Ultrasound
• Private, spacious, en-suite rooms
• Specialist physiotherapy and nursing teams
• Little or no waiting time
• ‘Ultra clean air’ theatres
• Freshly prepared food
• Calm, dignified experience

Contact us and find out more

If you are based in and around Hertfordshire, St Albans, Stevenage, Watford, North London, Welwyn or Bedfordshire and would like to visit the One Hatfield Hospital please click here.