Affects: Large intestine12–48 h
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
A disorder of gut-brain interaction: the bowel works abnormally and is more sensitive, even though there is no visible damage to its structure.
What happens
In IBS the bowel is not damaged, but it functions poorly. Communication between the gut nervous system and the brain is altered, motility is irregular, and visceral sensitivity is heightened: stimuli other people would not notice are perceived as pain. Changes in the microbiome also play a role, and often a previous episode of gastroenteritis.
It is real and it is common
It affects around 10% of the population and is one of the most frequent reasons for a digestive consultation. Normal test results do not mean the problem is not there: they mean the diagnosis is functional, and there are well-established clinical criteria for making it.
What helps
- Identifying your own triggers with a symptom diary
- A low-FODMAP diet, professionally guided and in phases rather than indefinitely
- Regular meals without skipping any, and good hydration
- Consistent physical activity, which improves motility
- Managing stress and sleep: the gut-brain axis runs both ways
The goal is not always to eliminate every symptom, but to regain control and quality of life. With the right support, most people do.
When something goes wrong
- Chronic constipationInfrequent, hard or difficult-to-pass bowel movements for at least three months, with straining and a sense of not being finished.
- Chronic diarrheaLoose or liquid stools most of the time for more than four weeks. It is a symptom, not a diagnosis: the point is to find the cause.
- IBDChronic immune-driven inflammation of the digestive tract, running in flares and periods of remission. It includes Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis.
