Links to further information:
http://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/health-topics/irritable-bowel-syndrome/
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
The diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is often based on a pattern of symptoms over several years - similar to the diagnosis of migraine headaches.
Symptoms usually start in the 20's or 30's but can begin at any age. Symptoms can vary from mild to moderate - often related to stressful life events.
Key Points:
- Irritable bowel symptoms are very common (up to 15-20% of the population across all ages).
- Irritable bowel syndrome is more common in women than in men and a family history is common.
- Irritable bowel syndrome tends to persist over a lifetime, but can come and go.
- Irritable bowel syndrome is caused by a combination of abnormal muscular activity of the small intenstine and colon and abnormal sensitivity.
- It is not caused by food allergy or an infection, but food intolerance can be important.
 | Self-help Book - Managing your life with IBS | National Primary Care Research & Development Centre - UK | |
| Excellent book (93 pages) to download for FREE | |||
 | Video - How IBS affects you | Mayo Clinic | |
| Irritable bowel syndrome - factsheet | Better Health Channel | 3 pages |
 | About IBS | Gastro-Info NZ | |
| IBS Common Symptoms | Gastro-Info NZ | |
| Tests for IBS | Gastro-Info NZ | |
| IBS Sub-groups | Gastro-Info NZ | |
| IBS Bloating and Wind | Gastro-Info NZ | |
| Colonoscopy | ||
| Attend a self management programme | Health Navigator NZ | |
| Lifestyle & home remedies | Mayo Clinic | |
| Exit Disclaimer: Reliable website, but does contain advertising. | |||
| Self-help Book - Managing your life with IBS | National Primary Care Research & Development Centre - UK | |
| Excellent book (93 pages) to download for FREE | |||
| Management of IBS | Gastro-Info NZ | |
| IBS Sub-groups | Gastro-Info NZ | |
| Irritable Bowel Syndrome - treatment | NHS Choices | |
| What treatments work for IBS? | Best Health - UK | |
| IBS new probiotics available article | Gastro-Info NZ | |
| Diagnosis & Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Quick Reference Guide | National Institute for Health & Clinical Excellence - UK | 168 Kb |
| Irritable Bowel Syndrome - full guideline & other resources - Feb 2008 | National Institute for Health & Clinical Excellence - UK | |
| Interactive case study & BMJ Learning Session | BMJ Learning | |
| GPs in NZ can register through RNZCGP | |||
| Coping and support | Mayo Clinic | |
| Exit Disclaimer: Reliable website, but does contain advertising. | |||
| Personal story of learning to live with IBS | NHS Choices | |
| IBS Support Groups | ||
| Christchurch & Auckland - others starting | |||
| Expert Answers | Mayo Clinic | |
| Exit Disclaimer: Reliable website, but does contain advertising. | |||
| Gastro Index | Gastro-Info NZ | |
| Useful Resources | Gastro-Info NZ | |
| Frequently Asked Questions | Gastro-Info NZ | |
Date last reviewed