Irritable Bowel syndrome (IBS) is a painful and disabling abdominal illness, characterised by frequent attacks of abdominal pain or discomfort associated with disturbances in defecation which might be either constipation, diarrhoea or a combination of the two. Sufferers also frequently complain of a variety of other symptoms, especially fatigue, breathlessness, headaches, indigestion, backache, anxiety and depression. It is one aspect of a spectrum of medically unexplained illnesses that are perhaps best regarded as visceral responses to unresolved emotional tension. As such there is a strong overlap with other illnesses such as Chronic Fatigue syndrome, Fibromyalgia syndrome, Functional Dyspepsia and many others. Symptoms are commonly brought on by life changes, and difficult life situations, but they may also be triggered by food.

Sometimes the illness appears to be instigated by an attack of gastroenteritis, but this association is more likely if a person is anxious or depressed at the time of the acute illness. Physiological studies show enhanced gastrointestinal motility and sensitivity in some patients. Symptoms may be alleviated with antispasmodics, such as Colofac and Spasmonal, and with bowel regulators, such as Imodium and Fybogel.

Severe and chronic illness is often unresponsive to such treatments, but may show improvement and resolution with more holistic therapies, such as psychotherapy, hypnotherapy and complementary therapies. For most people, IBS is a fairly benign condition that tends to recur at times of change, but for some it is profoundly disabling, ruling their lives and confining them to their homes.

Medical text last written January 2003 by Professor N W Read, Consultant Physician and Psychotherapist, Chairman of Trustees for the IBS Network.

Further Online Resources
Medical texts in The Contact a Family Directory are designed to give a short, clear description of specific conditions and rare disorders. More extensive information on this condition can be found on a range of reliable, validated web sites and links to them are included in the CD-ROM version of this Directory. Further information on these resources can be found in our Medical Information on the Internet article.

THE GUT TRUST

The Gut Trust
Unit 5
53 Mowbray Street
Sheffield,
S3 8EN
Tel: 0114 272 3253 Helpline (Mon-Fri, 6-8pm; Sat 10am-noon)
Tel: 0114 272 3253 General Enquiries only (Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm)
Fax: 0114 201 1112
e-mail: info@theguttrust.org.uk
Web: http://www.theguttrust.org

The Gut Trust is a National Registered Charity No. 1057563, established in 1996. It offers advice, information and support to those with IBS, carers and professionals. It has a network of local self-help groups and a Junior Network, and provides information for the media. The network also has a unique self management programme. It aims to raise public awareness of IBS and the issues surrounding the condition. It publishes a quarterly journal 'Gut Reaction'. It runs a befrienders and penpals service, an email discussion group and has information and details of other sources of help available (details on request). The Network has around 3,000 members.

Group details last updated October 2007.