Coping Skills for IBS


Check your IBS symptoms

If you suspect you may be suffering from IBS, it is recommended that you see your doctor. IBS is a fairly common condition and your GP will frequently see cases like yours on a weekly basis, so talk to him/her for advice if you have some or all of the symptoms below.

The UK National Institute of Clinical Excellence advises GPs to check for IBS if a patient experiences any of the ’ABC’ symptoms listed below for at least six months:

  • Abdominal pain or cramps
  • Bloating
  • Change in bowel movements – diarrhoea, constipation or both

Other less severe symptoms include:

  • Excess wind and gas
  • Feeling like you haven’t fully emptied your bowels
  • Occasional other symptoms like nausea, tiredness, muscle, back or joint pain

If you are diagnosed with IBS there are many self-management strategies you can adopt in addition to remedies available from your pharmacy.

To check your IBS symptoms, log on to Symptom Checker Survey