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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

IBS causes recurrent abdominal pain related to bowel movements and changes in how often you pass stools or how hard they are. There is no visible bowel damage, but the symptoms are real. Bleeding, weight loss, fever or symptoms at night require investigation for another cause.

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IBS causes recurrent abdominal pain related to bowel movements and changes in how often you pass stools or how hard they are. There is no visible bowel damage, but the symptoms are real. Bleeding, weight loss, fever or symptoms at night require investigation for another cause.

  • Recurrent abdominal pain related to bowel movements.
  • Diarrhoea, constipation or alternating between both.
  • Temporarily keep a diary of food, pain, bowel movements, periods, sleep and stress.
  • Eat regularly, take time for meals and change one thing at a time.
  • Make an appointment for recurrent abdominal pain and a change in bowel movements lasting weeks.
  • For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.

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