Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Learning to Live with It
The stomach that speaks too loudly.
Dr. Antoine Vasseur
Gastroenterologist
In simple terms
IBS affects 10 to 15% of the population. No organic lesion, but very real symptoms. The FODMAP diet and mind-body approaches are game-changers.
What you need to remember
- Diagnosis — IBS is a diagnosis of exclusion based on Rome IV criteria:
- Therapeutic Approaches — FODMAPs are fermentable sugars that worsen symptoms in 75% of IBS patients.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional digestive disorder defined by chronic abdominal pain associated with bowel habit disturbances (diarrhea, constipation, or alternation of both).
Diagnosis
IBS is a diagnosis of exclusion based on Rome IV criteria:
- Recurrent abdominal pain at least 1 day/week on average over the last 3 months
- Associated with at least 2 of the following criteria: related to defecation, change in stool frequency, change in stool consistency
Therapeutic Approaches
Low FODMAP Diet
FODMAPs are fermentable sugars that worsen symptoms in 75% of IBS patients. The diet proceeds in 3 phases:
- Elimination (4-6 weeks): removal of high-FODMAP foods
- Reintroduction (6-8 weeks): individual testing of each group
- Personalization: long-term adapted diet
Mind-body approaches
- Digestive hypnosis: efficacy demonstrated in several randomized trials
- CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy)
- Yoga and mindfulness meditation
Symptomatic medications
- Antispasmodics for pain
- Osmotic laxatives or loperamide depending on transit profile
- Selected probiotics (strain-specific)
IBS is not "all in your head." It's a gut-brain axis disorder with identified neurophysiological bases.
The words explained
Medical terms used above, in everyday language.
- Chronic
- A problem that lasts a long time, usually more than three months, and often comes back.
- Symptom
- A sign you can feel or see that something is wrong, like pain, tiredness or a rash.
- Diagnosis
- The moment a doctor identifies which illness is causing your symptoms.
- Cognitive
- Related to thinking: memory, attention, learning and decision-making.
- Probiotic
- The helpful bacteria living in your gut, and the foods or supplements that support them.
When should you see a doctor?
- Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
- They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
- You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
- You already take medication and want to change anything about it.
This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Learning to Live with It?
- IBS affects 10 to 15% of the population. No organic lesion, but very real symptoms. The FODMAP diet and mind-body approaches are game-changers.
- What are the main symptoms or signs of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Learning to Live with It?
- Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
- When should you see a doctor for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Learning to Live with It?
- See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.
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