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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General information, not personal medical advice
This article has been carefully prepared but may contain errors or become outdated as medical knowledge changes. It does not replace diagnosis, examination or treatment by your own GP. Always discuss personal questions and starting, stopping or changing medicines or treatments with your own GP.
For a life-threatening situation, call Ambulance 912. For urgent care outside office hours, call HAP 9252.
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