FUNCTIONAL GI DISORDER
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
A common functional gastrointestinal disorder causing abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits, without structural damage. Dr. Samhitha Reddy provides expert IBS diagnosis and management.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder characterised by recurring abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits (diarrhoea, constipation, or alternating), in the absence of any structural, inflammatory, or biochemical abnormality. It is one of the most common GI conditions worldwide, significantly impacting daily life and quality of life. IBS has no standard surgical treatment, it is managed through a combination of dietary modification, lifestyle changes, symptom-specific medications, gut-directed psychotherapy, and in selected cases, specialist low-FODMAP dietary therapy. Dr. Samhitha Reddy provides thorough diagnosis to exclude serious pathology and a structured, personalised management programme.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Gut-brain axis dysregulation, abnormal nerve signalling between the brain and gut
- Visceral hypersensitivity, heightened pain perception in the intestine
- Altered gut microbiome composition
- Post-infectious IBS, following gastroenteritis
- Psychological factors, anxiety, depression, and chronic stress
- Dietary triggers, FODMAPs, lactose, gluten in susceptible individuals
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
IBS has no standard surgical treatment, it is a functional, not structural, disorder
Diagnosis based on recurrent abdominal pain ≥1 day/week for 3 months with ≥2 bowel-related features
A structured elimination diet, the most evidence-based dietary treatment for IBS
CBT, hypnotherapy, and mindfulness, effective for the gut-brain component of IBS
IBD, colorectal cancer, coeliac disease, and infection must be excluded before IBS diagnosis
IBS-D (diarrhoea-predominant), IBS-C (constipation-predominant), IBS-M (mixed)
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Comprehensive IBS Management, Accurate Diagnosis, Personalised Treatment
IBS treatment begins with thorough investigation to exclude inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, coeliac disease, and infection. Once confirmed, Dr. Samhitha Reddy provides a structured, personalised management plan, dietary advice (low-FODMAP), lifestyle modification, symptom-specific medications, and referral for gut-directed psychotherapy where appropriate.
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Accurate Diagnosis First
Colonoscopy, blood tests (CRP, coeliac antibodies, FBC), stool tests (calprotectin, infection screen), and careful clinical evaluation exclude IBD, cancer, and other organic pathology before IBS is confirmed.
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Dietary Modification
Low-FODMAP diet, eliminating fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols, is the most evidence-based dietary intervention. A dietitian-supervised elimination and reintroduction protocol achieves symptom improvement in 60-70% of patients.
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Symptom-Specific Medications
IBS-D: antispasmodics, antidiarrhoeals (loperamide), rifaximin. IBS-C: osmotic laxatives, linaclotide. Tricyclic antidepressants and SSRIs for visceral hypersensitivity. All prescribed based on IBS subtype.
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Gut-Brain Therapies
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), gut-directed hypnotherapy, and mindfulness-based stress reduction have strong evidence for IBS, particularly for the psychological contributors to symptoms. Referral provided where appropriate.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Dietary & Lifestyle Management
IBS is a functional disorder managed medically. Low-FODMAP diet, regular exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep form the foundation of treatment. No surgical intervention is indicated.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked
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