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Condition

IBS & Bowel Issues

Irritable bowel syndrome and related functional bowel disorders.

Overview

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and related functional bowel disorders affect daily life significantly but are often misunderstood. They're not 'in your head' — they're real conditions with effective management strategies. The first step is ruling out other causes (infection, IBD, coeliac, thyroid issues) through targeted evaluation.

Common symptoms

  • Recurring abdominal pain or cramping, often relieved by passing stool
  • Bloating and excess gas
  • Changes in bowel habits — diarrhoea, constipation, or alternating
  • Mucus in stools
  • Symptoms triggered by certain foods or stress
  • Sense of incomplete emptying after bowel movements

When to see a doctor

See us if symptoms have lasted more than 3 months, are affecting your daily routine, or include red flags like blood in stools, unintentional weight loss, symptoms that wake you at night, or onset over age 50. These warrant evaluation to rule out IBD, coeliac, or other causes.

How we help

We first rule out organic causes through targeted blood tests, stool tests for infection and inflammation, and colonoscopy when indicated. Once IBS is confirmed, treatment combines a structured trial of low-FODMAP diet, medications matched to the dominant symptom (pain, diarrhoea, or constipation), and stress management. Most patients see meaningful improvement within weeks of starting the right plan.

This is general information, not a substitute for medical advice. For guidance specific to your case, please consult Dr. Ch. Saikumar or another qualified specialist.

Patient questions

IBS & Bowel Issues — common questions

Answers to the questions we hear most often about ibs & bowel issues.

Is IBS the same as IBD?
No. IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) is a functional disorder — the gut works abnormally but isn't physically damaged. IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) involves real inflammation and damage to the bowel and needs very different treatment.
Can IBS be cured?
IBS is usually a long-term condition, but symptoms are highly controllable. Most patients see significant improvement with a structured plan combining dietary changes (often low-FODMAP), targeted medication, and stress management.
What is a low-FODMAP diet?
FODMAPs are certain types of sugars that ferment in the gut and trigger bloating and pain. A guided low-FODMAP trial helps identify your specific triggers — most patients can then reintroduce most foods safely once triggers are identified.
Can stress cause IBS?
Stress doesn't cause IBS but it strongly triggers and worsens symptoms because of the gut-brain connection. Structured stress management is a meaningful part of treatment, not a 'soft' extra.
Will I need a colonoscopy for IBS?
Sometimes — especially to rule out IBD, coeliac, or other conditions in patients with red flags (blood in stools, weight loss, onset over 50, family history). Many IBS patients are diagnosed clinically without colonoscopy.
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