Frequent tummy pain and bloating that ease after the toilet may be irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The UK National Health Service (NHS) lists pain or cramps, usually worse after eating and better after a poo, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation, and says see a GP if symptoms last more than 4 weeks. Unexplained weight loss or rectal bleeding or bloody diarrhoea need urgent help. Lifestyle tips include about 1.5 litres of fluid a day, no more than 3 portions (80g each) of fresh fruit and no more than 3 caffeinated drinks a day.
1. Pain worse after eating and better after a poo, plus bloating, diarrhoea or constipation, coming and going.
2. Over 4 weeks: see a GP; weight loss, bleeding or a lump: urgent.
3. 1.5 litres of fluid, 3 fruit portions max, 3 caffeinated drinks max; don’t skip meals.
Symptoms — NHS
| Type | What the NHS says | Worth noting (ours) |
|---|---|---|
| Pain or cramps | Usually worse after eating, better after a poo | — |
| Bloating | Uncomfortably full, swollen tummy | — |
| Diarrhoea | Watery poo, sometimes urgent | — |
| Constipation | Straining, feeling not fully emptied | — |
| Other | Wind, mucus, tiredness, nausea, backache, urinary problems, incontinence, pelvic pain | — |
| Flare-ups | Good and bad days; alcohol, caffeine, spicy or fatty food, stress, frequent antibiotics can trigger | Sometimes no clear cause |
When to get help — NHS
| Situation | NHS advice | Worth noting (ours) |
|---|---|---|
| Possible IBS for over 4 weeks | See a GP — tests to rule out other conditions | In Korea, gastroenterology |
| Lost a lot of weight without reason | Urgent help | Could be something more serious |
| Rectal bleeding or bloody diarrhoea | Urgent help | — |
| A hard lump or swelling in the tummy | Urgent help | — |
| Breathless, palpitations, unusually pale | Urgent help | — |
Diet and lifestyle — NHS
| Type | NHS advice | Worth noting (ours) |
|---|---|---|
| Do | Balanced diet; a food and symptom diary; about 1.5 litres of fluid a day (water, caffeine-free tea); relax; exercise; try probiotics for a month | — |
| Don’t | Delay or skip meals; eat too fast; lots of fatty, spicy or processed food; more than 3 portions (80g) of fruit; more than 3 caffeinated drinks; lots of alcohol or fizzy drinks | 3 portions = 240g (our sum) |
| Bloating, cramps, wind | Oats regularly; up to 1 tablespoon of linseeds a day; avoid cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, sprouts, beans, onions; avoid sorbitol; ask a pharmacist about Buscopan or peppermint oil | — |
| Diarrhoea | Cut high-fibre foods (wholegrains, nuts, seeds); avoid sorbitol; ask about loperamide; drink plenty | — |
| Constipation | Plenty of water; more soluble fibre (oats, pulses, carrots, peeled potatoes, linseeds); ask about laxatives such as ispaghula | Fibre advice runs opposite for the two |
See a GP if diet changes and pharmacy medicines don’t help or you must avoid many foods to control symptoms; they may refer you to a dietitian or specialist. The page doesn’t describe a low-FODMAP diet.
General bloating is in bloating; indigestion in indigestion.
Checklist
- ☐ Food and symptom diary
- ☐ Don’t skip meals; eat slowly
- ☐ 1.5 litres fluid; 3 caffeine drinks max; 3 fruit portions max
- ☐ Diarrhoea: less high fibre; constipation: more soluble fibre
- ☐ Over 4 weeks: GP; bleeding or weight loss: urgent
Questions that remain
Can IBS be cured?
The NHS says it’s usually long-term but lifestyle changes and medicines help.
Which probiotic?
It says try one for a month without naming a type.
Sources
- NHS — Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) — source (page shows: symptoms and lifestyle pages reviewed 17 March 2025, next review 17 March 2028; checked 20 October 2026). Main and other symptoms, triggers, the 4-week GP rule and four urgent signs, dos and don’ts, advice for bloating, diarrhoea and constipation, referral.
- Not read. The NHS diagnosis page; British Dietetic Association; Korean guidance.
- What we added. The “worth noting” column and the Korean care gloss.
- Pages read together. Symptoms, Diet, lifestyle and medicines.
Where to check further
- Gastroenterology — symptoms over 4 weeks.
Written on 20 October 2026. The content is from the NHS; the glosses are ours.
