In brief
A common condition of the digestive system, with abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating and wind, and diarrhoea, constipation or both. It affects around 1 in 5 people.
- See your doctor if you notice blood in your poo, unexplained weight loss, a fever or severe diarrhoea.
- Females are more likely than males to have IBS.
- People with IBS have been found to experience mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.
How it works
The exact cause is not clear. Triggers include diet, stress, infection and some medicines, and symptoms sometimes start after an infection such as gastroenteritis. IBS is diagnosed after a doctor rules out other conditions, usually when symptoms have lasted at least 6 months and test results are normal.
Diet and lifestyle changes are often the best long-term strategy. A dietitian can help, sometimes with a low FODMAP diet, and it is best to increase fibre slowly to 25 to 30 g a day. Psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy and hypnosis, supplements such as fibre and probiotics, and medicines can also help.
Connections
6 connections on the map. Select a topic to read its page.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can cause
Stomach bloating and wind are symptoms of IBS.
Source: healthdirect Australia, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome is one of the causes of constipation.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is linked with
- Gut-brain axis Supported
IBS symptoms can be triggered by stress, according to healthdirect.
Source: healthdirect Australia, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Anxiety Supported
People with IBS have been found to experience mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Source: Australian Academy of Science, Gut bacteria: the inside story
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be worsened by
Stress is one trigger of IBS symptoms, along with diet, infection and some medicines.
Source: healthdirect Australia, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been studied with
- Probiotics Emerging
Probiotics might help manage IBS symptoms, but the effects vary with the strain used.
Sources: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, Probiotics fact sheet for consumers; NIH NCCIH, Probiotics: what you need to know
Sources
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Summarised from healthdirect and the Australian Academy of Science. Sources read on 13 and 16 October 2026. General education only, not medical advice. Spotted a mistake? Please tell us through the HuBu-Intel contact page.