Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
A long term digestive condition causing abdominal pain, bloating and changes in bowel habits.
About this condition
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition affecting the digestive system. It can cause abdominal pain or cramping, bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, or a mixture of both. Symptoms can fluctuate over time and may be affected by food, stress, sleep and other factors.
IBS does not cause inflammation or permanent damage to the bowel, but symptoms can still have a significant impact on everyday life. Treatment usually focuses on diet and lifestyle changes, symptom specific medication and, where appropriate, psychological therapies that address the connection between the gut and nervous system.
Treatments people usually try first
These are the treatments commonly offered in the UK for this condition. A specialist doctor will want to know which of them you have tried, and what happened.
- Dietary changes and dietitian support, including a low FODMAP diet where appropriate
- Antispasmodic medicines for abdominal pain and cramping
- Treatment for constipation or diarrhoea depending on symptoms
- Peppermint oil for abdominal discomfort and bloating
- Low dose antidepressants such as Amitriptyline for gut pain
- Psychological therapies such as CBT where appropriate
- Further investigation or gastroenterology review where symptoms are persistent or atypical
Could medical cannabis be appropriate?
People with this condition sometimes ask whether medical cannabis could be appropriate for them. That is a question for a specialist doctor, who will look at your diagnosis, your history and everything you have already tried before saying anything either way.
Medical cannabis is an unlicensed prescription only medicine in the UK. It is considered only where a diagnosed condition has not responded adequately to conventional treatment, and it is never a first step. We cannot tell you in advance what might be prescribed, and UK law does not allow us to describe or advertise any medicine on this website.
What we can do is assess you properly and be honest with you. If a specialist doctor does not think this route is right for you, they will say so, and they will explain why.
Medical cannabis does not treat an underlying structural bowel problem, and persistent or changing gastrointestinal symptoms may require further investigation before treatment is considered.
All treatment is subject to clinical assessment and eligibility.
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