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What is IBS treatment?
IBS treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis, followed by a personalised combination of dietary, lifestyle and medical measures to control symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habit. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common, long-term functional condition affecting the digestive system, and unlike IBD, it does not cause inflammation or damage to the bowel, though it can significantly affect quality of life if not properly managed. Current national health guidance notes that IBS symptoms overlap with other conditions such as coeliac disease and inflammatory bowel disease, so ruling these out is an important first step in diagnosis (NHS inform, 2026).
Patients from Newcastle upon Tyne, Durham, North Tyneside, Gateshead and Sunderland consult Dr Kejariwal for IBS when symptoms are persistent, unclear, or not responding to initial treatment. With 18+ years of consultant experience, Dr Kejariwal takes a thorough, evidence-based approach, first ruling out other conditions such as coeliac disease or IBD, then developing a personalised management plan involving dietary changes (such as the low-FODMAP approach), lifestyle advice, and medication where appropriate, to help you regain control of your symptoms.
Why accurate diagnosis matters
IBS shares symptoms with several other digestive conditions, and dietary changes made before proper testing can actually make later diagnosis more difficult, particularly for coeliac disease, where blood test accuracy depends on continued gluten intake. This is why current clinical guidance recommends against making dietary changes until appropriate tests have been completed. Dr Kejariwal’s approach in 2026 reflects this: a careful, structured assessment first, followed by a tailored management plan once other conditions have been confidently excluded.
Preparation
Before your appointment, it is helpful to keep a brief symptom and food diary, noting when symptoms occur and any potential triggers. You should bring details of any medications you currently take and results of any previous tests. Depending on your symptoms, Dr Kejariwal may recommend blood tests, stool tests, or in some cases a colonoscopy or gastroscopy to exclude other conditions before confirming an IBS diagnosis.
What happens on the day
01
Arrival & consultation
You will have a detailed consultation with Dr Kejariwal, discussing your symptoms, triggers, diet, and the impact IBS is having on your daily life.
02
Assessment & investigations
Where appropriate, further tests are arranged to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, ensuring an accurate diagnosis before treatment begins.
03
Treatment planning
A personalised management plan is developed, which may include dietary guidance, stress management advice, and medication targeted at your specific symptoms, whether pain, bloating, diarrhoea, or constipation.
04
Ongoing care, the same day
You leave with clear, practical guidance and a written summary sent to you and your GP, with follow-up support available to fine-tune your treatment plan over time.
Risks and safety
IBS treatment is generally low-risk, focusing on dietary and lifestyle changes alongside medication where needed. Any medications prescribed will be discussed in full, including possible side effects. Dr Kejariwal’s thorough diagnostic approach also ensures that other, more serious conditions are not overlooked before an IBS diagnosis is confirmed, giving you confidence in your diagnosis and treatment plan.
Your results
You will leave your consultation with a clear, personalised management plan and written summary, with a copy sent to your GP. Many patients see meaningful improvement in symptoms within weeks of starting a tailored plan, and Dr Kejariwal offers ongoing follow-up to adjust treatment as your symptoms and circumstances change.
Frequently asked questions about IBS treatment
What is the best treatment for IBS?
There is no single best treatment for everyone; the right approach depends on your specific symptoms and combines dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, and, where needed, targeted medication.
How is IBS diagnosed?
IBS is diagnosed based on your symptoms and pattern of bowel habit, alongside tests to rule out other conditions such as coeliac disease, IBD, or infection.
Is IBS the same as IBD?
No. IBS is a functional disorder without inflammation or bowel damage, while IBD (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) involves chronic inflammation. Symptoms can overlap, so accurate diagnosis is important.
What is the best diet for IBS?
There is no single diet that suits everyone with IBS, but many patients benefit from a structured approach such as the low-FODMAP diet, ideally guided by a specialist or dietitian.
Can IBS be cured?
IBS cannot currently be cured, but it can be very effectively managed, with many patients achieving long periods of minimal or no symptoms through the right combination of diet, lifestyle and medication.
Usually seen within 1-2 weeks
Referral routes: GP, self-referral or insurer. Bupa recognised, fee assured.
About Dr Deepak Kejariwal
Consultant Gastroenterologist & General Physician, FHEA, with 18+ years of consultant experience in gastroenterology and endoscopy. Serving Newcastle upon Tyne, Durham, North Tyneside, Gateshead and Sunderland.