IBS or Irritable bowel syndrome affects millions but is often mistaken for period pains – how to spot the common signs and symptoms

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Worryingly, the condition is often dismissed as "women's troubles", according to head of the IBS network.

She said: "Because everyone's IBS symptoms are individual to them it can be easy for people to dismiss them as something else, typically period pain or flatulence.

"As a rule, don't be too hasty in dismissing IBS symptoms as 'women's troubles'.

"IBS is a serious and debilitating condition affecting both men and women.

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"Symptoms are no less real just because they aren’t always visible.

"Although the symptoms of IBS can wax and wane, period pain is generally confined to specific points during the menstrual cycle and are reproducible."

So what are the signs to watch out for?

Most people have flare-ups of symptoms that last a few days but after this time, the symptoms usually improve, according to the NHS.

But they may not disappear completely.

In some people an attack can be triggered by something they have eaten or drank, so the symptoms can be controlled by diet.

What are the key symptoms?

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The most common signs a person suffering IBS can experience are:

• stomach pain and cramping, which may be relieved by having a poo
• a change in your bowel habits – such as diarrhoea, constipation, or sometimes both
• bloating and swelling of your stomach
• excessive wind
• occasionally experiencing an urgent need to go to the toilet
• a feeling that you have not fully emptied your bowels after going to the toilet
• passing mucus from your bottom

Alison added: "The condition can mean feelings of isolation through an inability to leave the house for fear of an accident, cancelled holidays, and days off work.

"The stress caused by the distress of these symptoms, worry of losing job, the humiliation of an accident, can make the condition worse; which creates a vicious circle.

"Our members have reported that talking openly about their condition with people who understand really helps them break this cycle supporting them in taking control of their IBS.

"Through our work, the charity is challenging the ‘poo taboo’."

The exact cause of IBS is not known, but many experts believe it is related to an increased sensitivity of the gut.

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What treatment is available?

As there is no known cause, there is no cure for IBS.

But the symptoms can be managed by changing your diet and lifestyle, and understanding the nature of the condition.

In some cases, medication or psychological treatments may also be helpful.

People with IBS are advised to cut down on the fibre found in wholegrain, cereals, nuts and seeds if they frequently suffer diarrhoea but keep up good levels of fruit, vegetables and oats, according to the NHS.

If you have constipation, upping your increase of fibre can help.

The NHS also recommends you drink plenty of water to keep stools loose and avoid dehydration.

• having regular meals and taking your time when eating
• not missing meals or leaving long gaps between eating
• restricting your tea and coffee intake to a maximum of three cups a day
• reducing the amount of alcohol and fizzy drinks you drink
• if you have wind and bloating, it may help to eat oats
• if you have diarrhoea, avoiding sorbitol, an artificial sweetener found in sugar-free sweets, including chewing gum and drinks, and in some diabetic and slimming products

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