Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder of gut-brain interaction diagnosed from a symptom pattern after appropriate assessment.

Gut Health & Microbiome - IBS & symptoms

IBS: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Last reviewed 3 August 2026. How we write this.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder of gut-brain interaction diagnosed from a symptom pattern after appropriate assessment.

Abdominal pain with altered bowel habits can occur without visible structural disease. That does not mean symptoms are imaginary.

Management is individual

Regular meals and selected dietary changes.
Soluble fibre for some people.
Gut-directed psychological therapies.
Medication matched to symptoms.

Bleeding, anaemia, fever, unintentional weight loss or new symptoms later in life require assessment for other causes.

Educational content only. This does not diagnose a condition or replace assessment and advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

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Sources for this classroom

Educational content only. Not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing your health regimen.