Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Medically reviewed by
Dr Keval Pandya
Consultant Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (Honours), Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians
Last medically reviewed: March 2026

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome can cause ongoing digestive symptoms that affect your comfort,
routine and confidence day to day. Symptoms can come and go, and they may feel worse
during periods of stress.

At Complete Health Australia, we provide careful assessment and personalised care to help you
understand your bowel symptoms and manage them with more confidence.

Book an appointment

What is IBS?

IBS is a common functional bowel disorder. This means it affects how the gut works, rather than
causing visible damage to the bowel.

IBS can change how the bowel moves and how sensitive the gut feels. It can cause abdominal
pain, bloating and changes in bowel habits, including diarrhoea, constipation or both.

Although IBS doesn’t damage the bowel, it can still have a real impact on quality of life. The
right care can help reduce symptoms, identify triggers and support better long-term control.

IBS symptoms

IBS symptoms can vary between people. They may also change over time, with periods where
symptoms improve and periods where they flare.
Common symptoms may include:

● Abdominal pain or discomfort
● Bloating
● Diarrhoea
● Constipation
● Alternating diarrhoea and constipation
● Pain that improves after opening the bowels
● A feeling that the bowel hasn’t fully emptied
● Excess wind or mucus in the stool

Symptoms may become more noticeable after eating certain foods or during times of stress.
Some people also find their bowel pattern changes with travel, poor sleep or changes in routine.
You should seek medical advice if you develop new bowel symptoms after age 50, unexplained
weight loss, rectal bleeding, anaemia or symptoms that wake you at night. These aren’t typical
IBS symptoms and should be checked.

What causes IBS?

There isn’t one single cause of IBS. It’s thought to involve changes in the way the gut and brain
communicate, sometimes called the gut-brain interaction.

Several factors may contribute to symptoms, including:
● Gut sensitivity
● Changes in bowel movement
● Stress and anxiety
● Changes in gut bacteria
● Certain foods
● Previous gut infections

Many people with IBS have a sensitive digestive system. This can mean normal bowel
movement or gas feels uncomfortable or painful. Stress doesn’t mean IBS is ‘all in your head’,
but it can affect how the gut works and how symptoms are felt.

Diagnosing IBS

IBS is usually diagnosed by reviewing your symptoms, medical history and bowel pattern. Your
doctor will ask about pain, bloating, stool changes and how long symptoms have been
happening.

There isn’t one test that confirms IBS. Instead, diagnosis is based on recognised symptom
patterns and checking for signs that could suggest another condition.

Tests may include:
● Blood tests to check for inflammation, anaemia or coeliac disease
● Stool tests to look for infection or inflammation
● A physical examination, including abdominal assessment
● Endoscopy, in selected cases, if symptoms are unusual or there are red flag features

Your doctor will explain which tests are needed based on your symptoms and risk factors. Many
people don’t need invasive testing if their symptoms are typical of IBS and there are no
concerning signs.

IBS treatment

IBS treatment focuses on reducing symptoms and improving quality of life. The best approach
depends on your main symptoms, triggers and how IBS affects your daily routine.

Treatment may include dietary changes, such as adjusting fibre intake or trying a low-
FODMAP diet with professional guidance. A low-FODMAP diet reduces certain fermentable
carbohydrates that can trigger bloating, gas and bowel changes in some people.

Medicines may be used to help manage diarrhoea, constipation, cramping or bloating. Your
doctor may also discuss gut-directed therapies, stress management or psychological support,
especially if symptoms are closely linked with anxiety or stress.

IBS is a long-term condition, but symptoms can often be well controlled. Keeping a symptom
diary may help you spot patterns and identify personal triggers.

Access expert care with Complete Health Australia

IBS can be frustrating when symptoms change, return unexpectedly or start affecting work,
travel and daily plans. You don’t have to manage it alone.

At Complete Health Australia, we’ll help you understand what may be contributing to your
symptoms and build a practical plan around your bowel habits, lifestyle and treatment goals.

Book an appointment

Meet our specialists

Our gastroenterology specialists provide assessment and care for IBS, bowel habit changes,
abdominal pain and bloating.
They can support you with diagnosis, symptom management and treatment planning, including
advice on diet, medication and further testing if needed.

View all our specialists