WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT IBS AND HOW TO KEEP IT IN CHECK

HAVE you ever found yourself clutching your stomach in pain after a stressful day, or scanning the menu for something “safe” at a restaurant, worried about what your gut might do next?

- VUYILE MADWANTSI

If so, you're not alone. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic, often misunderstood condition that's far more common and disruptive than most people realise.

According to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders, IBS affects 10-15% of the world's population, yet its invisible symptoms can leave many feeling isolated and frustrated.

But IBS isn't just about digestive troubles. It's about living in a body that sometimes feels unpredictable, in a world that expects you to keep up no matter what.

So, what does IBS look like in real, everyday life and how can you take back control?

IBS isn't a “one-size-fits-all” diagnosis. One day, you might feel perfectly fine; the next, you're doubled over with abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, or constipation, sometimes all in the same week.

Dr Maré du Plessis, a gastrointestinal specialist at Mediclinic Milnerton in Cape Town, points out, “IBS typically follows a pattern of remission and flareups throughout life.

“While symptoms can improve with age, lifestyle factors play a massive role in how often and how severely they strike.”

IBS is twice as common in women as in men, and it often flares up during times of hormonal changes, like menstruation or perimenopause. The unpredictability can make even simple plans feel daunting, affecting your work, social life and emotional well-being.