At any one time, as many as one in 10 people have symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It mainly affects younger adults and is more common in women. Many people have intermittent symptoms over many years.

IBS is defined as a chronic functional bowel disorder in which abdominal pain is associated with alterations in stool frequency or consistency, and a feeling of abdominal distension. In many people, the discomfort is associated with, or relieved by, defaecation. 

The cause of IBS is unknown, but one theory is that it occurs due to a miscommunication between the brain and the gut, and that gut co-ordination is affected (dysmotility) and is hypersensitive to stretching, which causes pain. 

Triggers are varied and common ones include IBS symptoms developing after a bout of gastroenteritis, as a result of a food intolerance and due to stress. Many people with IBS also have symptoms of anxiety and depression. 

When a patient first presents with symptoms, referral to a GP is usually warranted so that potentially serious causes can be ruled out. If an older adult presents for the first time with no previous history of bowel problems, a referral should always be made. 

Once an IBS diagnosis has been confirmed, pharmacy management is appropriate and also convenient for the patient.