Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) management
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition affecting bowel habits and causing abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea or constipation. With the right treatment, you can manage symptoms and regain control.
What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder that affects the intestines. It causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in stool. A doctor will diagnose IBS after ruling out inflammatory bowel disease and other conditions.
Understanding IBS symptoms and triggers
Irritable bowel syndrome is a complex condition. Recognising symptoms, identifying causes and understanding risk factors is key to managing IBS and improving daily comfort.
Common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome
Symptoms of IBS vary between individuals but often include abdominal pain, bloating and changes in bowel habits. Symptoms can worsen depending on diet, stress and other triggers.
- Abdominal pain, cramping and discomfort
- Constipation or diarrhoea, including IBS-D patterns
- Bloating, gas and changes in stool appearance
Common causes and triggers of IBS
The exact cause of IBS is unknown. It is often associated with gut sensitivity, diet, and changes in serotonin levels that affect bowel function.
- Foods high in FODMAPs, like fermentable carbohydrates
- Stress, anxiety or depression affecting gut function
- Disruption to the colon from infection or antibiotics
Who is more likely to develop IBS
IBS can affect adults of all ages, though it is more common in younger Australians and females. Certain lifestyle and health factors may increase risk.
- History of gut infections or food poisoning
- High stress levels or mental health conditions
- Food intolerances and poor dietary fibre balance
IBS prevalence and daily life impact
IBS affects around 1 in 5 people, with females more likely than males to be affected. The condition can have a significant impact on daily routines, confidence and overall quality of life.
- IBS can disrupt work, social plans and daily activities
- Symptoms may change over time and vary by trigger
- Some people experience severe pain or incontinence
Diagnosis of IBS
There is no single test for IBS. Diagnosis focuses on understanding your symptoms and triggers, and on ruling out other conditions through a structured clinical assessment.
Reviewing your symptoms and history
Your doctor will assess symptoms, medical history and factors that may trigger your symptoms.
Ruling out other bowel conditions
Tests may be used to rule out inflammatory bowel disease and other medical conditions.
Identifying triggers and contributing factors
We assess diet, lifestyle, and gut health to identify triggers such as FODMAPs or stress.
Related gastroenterology services
Our clinic provides comprehensive digestive health services to support IBS care, including testing and specialist procedures tailored to your condition.
Start your IBS treatment with expert care
Take the first step towards better gut health. Our specialists provide tailored IBS treatment to help you feel in control again.
Why choose Moonee Valley Specialist Centre
Our team delivers tailored IBS care using proven treatment strategies, helping you manage symptoms and improve daily comfort.
Tailored care for every patient
Every IBS case is different. We create individual treatment plans based on your symptoms, triggers and health history.
Integrated digestive health support
We combine medical care, dietary guidance and lifestyle strategies to support long-term IBS management.
Advanced diagnostic capabilities
Our clinic offers access to testing and procedures that help rule out other conditions and guide accurate diagnosis.
Focus on long-term outcomes
We prioritise sustainable symptom control, helping you improve daily comfort and maintain better gut health over time.
How we manage IBS and triggers
Our process focuses on identifying triggers, supporting diagnosis and delivering personalised IBS treatment for continuous symptom control.
Identify your triggers
We assess diet, lifestyle and gut health to uncover trigger foods, including FODMAPs and poorly absorbed carbohydrates.
Build your treatment plan
Your plan may include guidance on a low-FODMAP diet, psychological therapies, and medical support tailored to your needs.
Ongoing support and review
We monitor your progress and adjust treatment to improve symptom control and support long-term gut health.
Doctor referral information
All new patients need a valid GP or specialist referral before treatment at Moonee Valley Specialist Centre. Please bring your referral to your first appointment.
Meet our gastroenterology team
Meet our team of specialists dedicated to diagnosing and treating IBS with personalised, supportive care.
Recognised accreditations and certifications
We maintain high clinical standards through recognised Australian accreditations, ensuring safe, quality care for all patients.
Professional memberships and networks
Our affiliations reflect our commitment to staying current with advances in IBS treatment and digestive health care.
Feedback from our patients
Our patients value our personalised approach and expert care. Read their experiences below.
Book your IBS consultation today
Get expert support for IBS today. Our specialists provide tailored care to help improve your gut health and daily comfort.
Frequently asked questions
Learn more about IBD, including symptoms, causes and types of inflammatory bowel disease, to better understand your condition.
What causes inflamed bowels or intestines?
Inflamed bowels or intestines can be caused by several conditions. In IBS, the bowel is not inflamed like inflammatory bowel disease, but symptoms may feel similar. Triggers include poorly absorbed carbohydrates such as fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols. Stress, gut bacteria imbalance and food intolerances can worsen abdominal pain and bloating. A doctor may assess symptoms to rule out other bowel diseases.
What is the best treatment for irritable bowel syndrome?
The best treatment for irritable bowel syndrome depends on your symptoms and triggers. Many people benefit from a low FODMAP diet, guided by a dietitian, to identify foods that trigger symptoms. Treatment may also include psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy or hypnotherapy, along with medications like laxatives or tricyclic antidepressants. Personalised care delivers the best long-term results.
What are the most common symptoms of IBS?
Symptoms of IBS vary but often include abdominal pain, bloating and changes in bowel habits such as diarrhoea-predominant IBS or constipation. Symptoms can worsen over time or flare with certain trigger foods, stress or hormonal changes. People with IBS may also notice fatigue or changes in stool appearance. A doctor can assess symptoms and support the diagnosis of IBS.
How is IBS different from other bowel diseases?
IBS is a functional gastrointestinal condition, meaning it affects how the bowel works rather than causing visible inflammation. This differs from inflammatory bowel disease, which involves damage and inflammation in the intestine. Diagnosis of IBS focuses on symptoms and ruling out other conditions, often with support from a gastroenterologist.
Can stress and anxiety worsen IBS symptoms?
Stress, depression or anxiety are commonly associated with IBS and can worsen symptoms. The gut and brain are closely connected, and stress can affect bowel function and sensitivity. Psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life alongside other IBS treatments.
What foods trigger IBS symptoms?
Foods that trigger IBS symptoms often include those high in FODMAPs, types of carbohydrates poorly absorbed in the intestine. These include fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols such as sorbitol. Identifying trigger foods with a low FODMAP diet can help reduce symptoms and improve comfort in people with IBS.
Contact us for IBS treatment support
Contact our Melbourne clinic to discuss treatment for irritable bowel syndrome. Our team can help assess your symptoms, answer questions and guide you towards the right care. Book your appointment today.
Phone Consults: 8:00am - 6:00pm
