Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that can cause recurring abdominal pain, bloating and changes in bowel habits. Symptoms may include constipation, diarrhoea, excessive gas and abdominal discomfort, and they can vary considerably from one person to another. At Globus Gastroenterology Hospital, Dr. Vedant Karvir is an IBS Specialist Doctor in Mumbai who provides specialised gastroenterology and therapeutic endoscopy services for digestive disorders. His clinical interests include hepatology and advanced endoscopic procedures, while the hospital provides comprehensive gastrointestinal care for adults and children.
IBS is generally considered a functional gastrointestinal disorder, meaning symptoms can occur without the structural abnormalities typically associated with inflammatory bowel diseases. Common symptoms include abdominal cramps or pain that may improve after bowel movements, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, abdominal distension, flatulence and mucus in the stool.
IBS can present differently between patients. Some experience predominantly constipation, while others have frequent loose stools. Some patients alternate between constipation and diarrhoea. Identifying the dominant symptom pattern can help a gastroenterologist develop an appropriate management plan.
Consulting an IBS Specialist Doctor in Mumbai can be particularly useful when symptoms are recurrent, affecting daily activities or difficult to control through routine dietary changes.
While IBS can cause significant discomfort, certain symptoms should not automatically be attributed to IBS. The Globus Hospital reference information recommends bringing symptoms such as fever, unexplained weight loss, tarry stools, blood in the stool or urine and vomiting to a doctor’s attention.
Other persistent or unusual symptoms may also require further investigation. A gastroenterologist can determine whether symptoms are consistent with IBS or whether another gastrointestinal condition needs to be considered.
This distinction is important because conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, coeliac disease, gastrointestinal infections and other digestive disorders can produce symptoms that overlap with IBS.
IBS and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are not the same condition. IBS is generally classified as a functional disorder, whereas IBD includes inflammatory diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
IBD can involve intestinal inflammation, ulcers, bleeding, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, fatigue and weight loss. IBS does not typically cause intestinal inflammation or ulceration in the same way.
Because symptoms can overlap, persistent digestive complaints should be assessed rather than self-diagnosed. An IBS Specialist Doctor in Mumbai can review symptoms and determine whether investigations are required to exclude other causes.
There is no single test that independently confirms every case of IBS. Diagnosis generally involves understanding the patient’s symptoms, medical history and bowel pattern while considering other possible causes.
The Globus Hospital reference page notes that doctors may use laboratory tests and imaging studies, including CT scans or small-intestinal X-rays, when appropriate. Endoscopy or colonoscopy may also be recommended in selected cases.
The specific investigations depend on factors such as the patient’s age, symptoms, medical history and presence of warning signs. Not every person with IBS-like symptoms requires extensive testing.
A careful diagnostic assessment helps avoid treating a different gastrointestinal disease as IBS.