About Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Need to know
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Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome icon plus
Symptoms vary but may include:
- loose and frequent stools (diarrhoea)
- hard stools which are difficult to pass (constipation)
- bloating and the feeling of not having emptied your bowels completely, so needing to return to the toilet shortly after a bowel action
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Diagnosis icon plus
IBS is diagnosed by matching up your symptoms with examination findings and diagnostic test results. Blood tests, stool tests and a variety of endoscopic and radiological tests are used to exclude other serious conditions. The necessary tests vary from person to person but may include:
- gastroscopy, to examine the stomach and first part of the small bowel
- colonoscopy, to examine the large bowel and last section of the small bowel
- capsule endoscopy, to examine the rest of the small bowel
- imaging tests, such as ultrasound, CT and MRI scans
- breath testing for sugar malabsorption
Most people need only some of these tests.
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Potential treatment options icon plus
Although there are no cures for IBS, treatments are available that can improve your symptoms and quality of life. These include:
- Lifestyle changes. Your diet can make a significant difference. Reducing the amount of stress you experience and increasing your ways of coping with stress can also help.
- Probiotics and medicines. Probiotics can supplement your diet and may help to relieve symptoms of IBS. You are advised to take this for at least four weeks to determine its effectiveness. Medicines to relieve the symptoms of IBS are available such as laxatives, antispasmodics, anti-motility medicines and low-dose antidepressants.
Our facilities
From complex surgery to straightforward procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Wellington Hospital Gastroenterology Unit
21 Wellington Road
St Johns Wood
London NW8 9SQ
Appointments & Enquiries 020 7483 5148
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
Appointments 020 7908 8001
Enquiries 020 7486 1234
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London Digestive Health
2nd Floor
41 Welbeck Street
London W1G 8DU
Call 020 7616 7645
Opening hours Monday - Friday: 8.30am - 7pm
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London Digestive Centre
41 Welbeck Street
London
W1G 8DU
Call 020 7908 8003
Opening hours Monday - Friday: 8am - 8pm
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London Digestive Surgery
41 Welbeck Street
London
W1G 8DU
Call 020 3131 5319
Opening hours Monday - Friday: 8am - 8pm
All of our upper GI and colorectal consultant are at our Chiswick clinic on Saturdays -
London Digestion
HCA UK at The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
Appointments & enquiries 020 7403 3814
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The Wellington Hospital Endoscopy Centre
21 Wellington Hospital
St Johns Wood
London NW8 9SQ
Call 020 7483 5148