Yaso Shan outlines the complexities of irritable bowel syndrome and its possible remedies including complementary and alternative medicine therapies

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional disorder of the gut characterised by abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating and a change in bowel habit. IBS is a complex condition that affects people on many levels. It is a therapeutic challenge to medical practitioners and other healthcare professionals. This article describes the varied nature and symptoms of the condition, examines some of the possible causes that have been postulated and reviews the treatment strategies being adopted. It also explores management strategies that patients have adopted to cope with their symptoms and steps that can be taken to limit acute episodes or abate the worst effects of this chronic and often unpleasant condition.