A COMMON FUNCTIONAL GUT DISORDER
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
A common long-term gut disorder causing abdominal pain, bloating and altered bowel habit without structural disease. Manageable with structured dietary, lifestyle and medical care.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common, long-term functional disorder of the gut, in which there is no structural damage but the way the gut functions is disturbed. It typically causes recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating, and altered bowel habit — diarrhoea-predominant, constipation-predominant or alternating between the two. Symptoms often worsen with stress, certain foods, hormonal changes or after infections. IBS can significantly affect quality of life but does not increase the risk of cancer or shorten life expectancy. Diagnosis is based on characteristic symptoms and exclusion of other conditions through selective investigations. Treatment is highly personalised and includes structured dietary changes (often a low-FODMAP approach), stress management, regular physical activity, gut-directed medical therapy and, where helpful, psychological support. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides comprehensive IBS care at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Altered gut motility and sensitivity
- Disturbed brain-gut communication
- Stress, anxiety and emotional factors
- Dietary triggers — FODMAPs, caffeine, fatty foods, alcohol
- Previous gut infections (post-infectious IBS)
- Family history and genetic factors
- Changes in gut bacteria
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Clinical features fulfilling specific IBS criteria; targeted tests to exclude other conditions
IBS-D (diarrhoea) · IBS-C (constipation) · IBS-M (mixed)
Dietary changes, stress management, gut-directed medical therapy and psychological support
Weight loss, bleeding, anaemia, family history of bowel cancer or new symptoms in older age need urgent evaluation
Symptoms can vary over time but most patients achieve good control with structured care
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Personalised Diet, Lifestyle & Medical Plan
The most effective approach is a personalised plan combining structured dietary changes (often low-FODMAP), regular activity, stress management, gut-directed medical therapy targeted to the IBS subtype and, where helpful, psychological support.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Pravallika reviews symptoms in detail, checks for alarm features, examines the patient and arranges selective tests to exclude other conditions.
- 2
Treatment Planning
A personalised plan is created based on the IBS subtype, triggers and individual lifestyle factors.
- 3
Medical Management
Dietary modification (often low-FODMAP), lifestyle changes, gut-directed medical therapy tailored to the subtype and stress management.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Regular review to assess response, refine the plan, and arrange psychological support or specialist input where needed.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Dietary Modification (Including Low-FODMAP Approach)
A structured low-FODMAP approach, guided where possible by a dietitian, significantly improves symptoms in many patients with IBS.
Lifestyle and Stress Management
Regular physical activity, structured sleep, stress-management techniques and relaxation practices all reduce symptom severity and frequency.
Gut-Directed Medical Therapy by Subtype
Specific medical therapy is tailored to the IBS subtype — addressing constipation, diarrhoea, pain or bloating as the dominant feature.
Probiotics in Selected Cases
Selected probiotic strains may help certain patients, particularly those with bloating-predominant symptoms.
Psychological Therapy in Selected Cases (Referral for psychological support)
Cognitive behavioural therapy and gut-directed hypnotherapy can significantly help patients with severe or treatment-resistant IBS.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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