The ABC Of IBS

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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects up to one in five people (twice as many women as men), and although it usually starts in early adulthood, it affects older people, too. Bowel wall muscles usually contract regularly, moving food and waste along, but in IBS, contractions become disorganised. The exact cause isn’t known, but IBS may be due to a disorder/ sensitivity of bowel nerves, and/or be triggered by diet, stress, or other lifestyle factors (see tips box).

ABC symptoms

IBS causes Abdominal pain/cramps/discomfort, Bloating, and a