Minimising IBS symptoms

[Guest Posts]

I have had stomach and bowel problems for a few years but they have gotten worse. I've never officially been diagnosed with IBS. My worst complaint is that I very often have to empty my bowels several times a day - often ten minutes after I eat and I get extremely gassy so if I can't go at that moment I end up with trapped wind and stomach pain. Having a colonoscopy in a few days.
How can I minimise my symptoms?

[Dr Jamal Hayat]

The diagnosis of 'IBS' is based on a number of symptoms over several months. The investigations such as colonoscopy help to exclude other causes but there is no test one to diagnose IBS. This is partly due to the fact that it can be caused by a number of different factors. It may be as a result of a previous infection, altered gut bacteria,altered gut sensitivity, or intolerance to certain foods. Treatments will depend on the predominant symptoms and can involve altering your diet, medications to slow down your gut transit or relax the muscles of the intestines.
Given that you are having a colonoscopy - this is likely to have been ordered by a specialist so they should be able to give you more advice in managing your symptoms after the appropriate investigations.