Irritable Bowel Syndrome

(asked on 19th July 2017) - View Source

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if NHS England will take steps to produce a strategy to reduce the incidence of irritable bowel syndrome; and if he will make a statement.


Answered by
Steve Brine Portrait
Steve Brine
This question was answered on 5th September 2017

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic, relapsing, and often lifelong disorder of gastrointestinal function. The exact cause of IBS is not known, and whilst symptoms may be managed, there is no known cure. Unfortunately, this means there are no actions that could be taken through a strategy to reduce incidence of the condition.

IBS symptoms can vary in type and severity between patients, as can the triggers for exacerbation of symptoms; however, these symptoms may be controlled with certain treatment approaches. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) best practice guideline on IBS recommends management approaches that include dietary and lifestyle advice, pharmacological therapy and referral for psychological interventions. The NICE guideline can be found at the following link:

www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg61/resources/irritable-bowel-syndrome-in-adults-diagnosis-and-management-pdf-975562917829

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