Irritable bowel syndrome otherwise called IBS is a common medical condition affecting the lower bowel in 1 in 5 young adults. Females are especially prone to IBS which presents with one or more of 3 cardinal symptoms:

A. Abdominal pain and spasm which eases when emptying the bowels.

B. Bloating, fullness on eating and abdominal distension with wind.

C. Change in bowel habit with passage of frequent loose mucus-laden stools (an enhanced gastro colic reflex), often alternating with episodes of constipation.

Other more serious bowel conditions such as food allergies, inflammatory colitis, stomach ulcers, intestinal infection and coeliac disease may cause similar but more intense symptoms, and will need to be excluded by testing. A few simple blood tests undertaken by your GP (such as ESR, CRP, FBC) will exclude colitis or gut infection, while specific IgE allergy testing will identify food allergy and coeliac screening measuring Tissue Transglutaminase antibodies will exclude gluten intolerance. Certain non-specific food intolerances may be triggers for IBS and these include excess fruit intake, wheat, dairy produce, onions, excess tea, coffee, alcohol and highly insoluble dietary fibre such as bran, all of which may exacerbate IBS symptoms. The artificial sweetener Sorbitol and processed starch in ready meals may also promote IBS. While emotional stress, masked depression and missed or erratic meals may also be triggers, whereas taking a regular Probiotic supplement (Acidophilus GG) and drinking plenty of filtered water every day may calm the symptoms.

Discuss any concerns you might have regarding food allergies, intolerance or colitis with your GP, Practice Nurse or a qualified Dietician.

http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/index.jsp?action=byID&o=11927