What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Dr Sarah Jarvis MBE, GP and Clinical Director of Patient.info

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a long-term (chronic) condition of the gut (bowel) that causes episodes of tummy (abdominal) cramps, bloating and either constipation or diarrhoea. IBS is a problem with how the bowel works. There is otherwise nothing wrong with the bowel.

Find out more here: /health/irritable-bowel-syndrome-leaflet