Irritable Bowel Syndrome is part of a range of disorders classified as a “Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders”. IBS is referred to as a FGID, as the person experiences uncomfortable and often intrusive symptoms; however, on medical investigation (either endoscopy, colonoscopy or other non invasive tests), no medical abnormalities are found. As a result, the issue is regarded as being to do with the functioning of the gut or the gut-brain interaction, rather than organic disease.

The normal functioning of the gut can become altered in a variety of ways, for a variety of reasons. For example:

• The normal movement of the gut can be interrupted or the gut can become overstimulated, manifesting in visceral hypersensitivity or motility changes.
• The microbiota or (ecosystem) with in the gut can also become altered, affecting digestion and gastrointestinal comfort.

IBS is “diagnosed” (Rome 1V criteria), by eliminating any structural issues or diseases within in the gut and then classifying symptoms as “Disorders of GI Functioning”, or “Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction”. These disorders are classified by a range of GI symptoms within the following areas:

• Motility disturbance
• Visceral hypersensitivity
• Altered mucosal and immune function
• Altered gut microbiota
• Altered Central Nervous System processing

Gastrointestinal symptoms can include; upper and/or lower GI tract symptoms, such as lower abdominal or upper epigastric pain, changes in stool consistency (diarrhoea / constipation), nausea, belching, vomiting, wind, abdominal bloating. At times, other “non GI” symptoms can be experienced.

FGID’s or Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction are diagnosed according to a range of symptoms, with in the above classifications, most common examples of which are IBS and Functional Dyspepsia.

There can also be other types of gut disturbances such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Coeliac Disease. These conditions can be treated with medical interventions or in the case of Coeliac Disease, by avoiding gluten in the diet completely. It is essential that a Doctor and Gastroenterologist investigate your symptoms fully.

Psychological therapies have been shown to assist with Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders as well as to play a role with in assisting gut disorders, which are predominantly managed with medical interventions.