At Spire Roding Hospital in Redbridge, Essex, we offer diagnosis and treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (also known as IBS). Our clinics are led by Dr Stephen Grainger, an experienced Consultant Gastroenterologist. Patients who come to Spire Roding for IBS treatment are assured of a warm welcome in a clean and comfortable private hospital environment.
Prompt, expert help and treatment for a common and troubling condition
About Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IBS is a painful condition of the abdomen of unknown cause that is associated with a change in the frequency of bowel actions or the consistency of the stools, sometimes with very urgent bowel actions.
At present, IBS is a poorly understood condition; it has not yet benefited from the medical advances in gastro-intestinal diseases that have brought a cure for peptic ulcers and powerful treatments to heal the intestinal inflammation of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Despite being poorly understood, IBS is very common – in some surveys affecting up to one fifth of the population. Painful bloating or distension can trouble many sufferers. Symptoms last many months or longer and may be intermittent.
For many people, the symptoms of IBS are only mildly intrusive and do not interfere with daily activities; but for some, severe symptoms are a daily occurrence disrupting work, social and home life. Worry that there might be a serious condition and lack of certainty about the diagnosis also contributes to the anxiety of the sufferer. However, bleeding in the bowel or weight loss are not features of the disorder and should be investigated promptly by a medical practitioner.
Other conditions can mimic IBS but, whilst there is no diagnostic test that confirms the diagnosis, careful attention to the history of the complaint, a clinical examination and a structured approach to a small number of investigations leads to a confident diagnosis in most patients. It is usual to do blood tests and tests on the stool and, in women particularly, a simple ultrasound scan of the abdomen. More invasive tests, such as colonoscopy or barium X-rays, are necessary in only a minority of sufferers.
While IBS does not progress to bowel cancer or colitis, there is no cure at present. However, treatment is available for the condition and often requires changes to diet and pattern of meals, and sometimes adjustments to other aspects of daily living. Drugs are of limited effectiveness but careful use of selected medication can be helpful in minimising symptoms and restoring enjoyment of life.
Please note: a GP referral letter is required for insured patients, but not always necessary for self-funding patients.