Check out my previous two posts in this series. Here are another ten facts.

1. IBS is a diagnosable condition.

2. IBS is typically diagnosed by your GP after discussing your symptoms, reviewing your medical history, and ruling out other potential underlying conditions through blood tests, scans, and additional investigations if needed.

3. The diagnosis of IBS is primarily a process of exclusion. After ruling out other potential conditions and eliminating them as possibilities, the remaining symptoms are attributed to IBS.

4. IBS is a functional condition. 'Functional condition' is an umbrella term for a group of recognisable medical conditions with no known physical cause. Functional disorders are not caused by structural diseases, but rather by changes in the functioning of the body's systems. These disorders are both common and complex in nature.

5. Some people feel frustrated and fobbed off when a definite cause for their symptoms cannot be determined. They worry that the tests may have missed a serious illness or disease, as they wonder why else the symptoms would persist.

6. IBS symptoms can vary massively from person to person. Symptoms can also vary massively from day to day.

7. Some people can go months without an IBS ‘flare-up’ while some people suffer every day without a break.

8. IBS symptoms can have a devastating impact on the wellbeing and quality of life. For some, their lives are completely decimated by this condition. It takes over and ruins their personal and professional lives, becoming a thief of time and happiness. It can also destroy friendships and relationships, as well as hinder careers and professions. In addition, it can bring about embarrassment and, at times, even disgust.

9. A one-size-fits-all approach is not suitable for treating IBS. It is crucial when developing a treatment plan to consider a person's entire lifestyle and their specific triggers. For instance, certain foods may cause a flare-up for one individual but not for another.

10. First line treatments after receiving a diagnosis of IBS are:

Medication
Dietary changes
Lifestyle changes