IBS: how a dietitian and gastroenterologist can help

Irritable bowel syndrome is common and manageable. Learn the warning signs to check, and how diet support works.

What IBS is

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gut condition. The bowel looks normal on tests but works differently, often because the gut and brain signal each other in a more sensitive way. Symptoms come and go and can include:

• Tummy pain or cramping, often eased by passing a bowel motion
• Bloating
• Diarrhoea, constipation, or a mix of both
• Feeling that you haven't fully emptied your bowel

IBS is uncomfortable, but it does not damage the bowel or lead to cancer.

Getting checked first

See your GP before changing your diet in a big way. They may do blood and stool tests, including for coeliac disease, which should be checked before you cut out gluten. Your GP may refer you to Gastroenterology if:

• You have bleeding from the bottom or black stools
• You are losing weight without trying
• Symptoms start after about age 50, or wake you at night
• There is a family history of bowel cancer, coeliac disease or inflammatory bowel disease

A gastroenterologist may suggest tests such as a colonoscopy, see Bowel screening and colonoscopy: what to expect.

How a dietitian helps

An Accredited Practising Dietitian can find out which foods trigger your symptoms without cutting out more than you need. This often involves a low FODMAP approach. FODMAPs are types of carbohydrate found in some fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes and dairy.

• Step 1: reduce high FODMAP foods for a short time
• Step 2: bring foods back one group at a time to see what you tolerate
• Step 3: settle into a varied, long-term diet that suits you

Doing this with a dietitian helps you keep a balanced diet. Other things can help too, such as regular meals, physical activity, managing stress, and gut-directed psychology. Psychology can be useful when stress is a big trigger.

Referrals and costs

You can book a dietitian directly. If you have a chronic condition, your GP may be able to write a plan for Medicare rebates, see What is a GP chronic condition management plan?. A gastroenterologist needs a GP referral for a rebate. On Spec Book, you can compare dietitians with gut health experience and their next available times.

Go to an emergency department for severe tummy pain, heavy bleeding, vomiting blood, or a high fever.

General information only, not medical advice. Everyone's situation is different, so check with your GP or the provider. In an emergency call 000.