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Concerned about symptoms?
Most patients are seen within one to two weeks at Cobalt Hospital.
Secretary
RELATED
IBS Treatment
Bloating
Constipation
Coeliac Disease
TRUSTED INFORMATION
National health information service, patient guides and symptom advice.
What is IBS?
A common, long-term condition affecting the gut. With the right diagnosis and plan, symptoms can usually be managed well.
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is a common, long-term condition affecting how the digestive system works, causing episodes of abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habit without any visible damage or inflammation to the bowel itself.
Patients from Newcastle upon Tyne, Durham, North Tyneside, Gateshead and Sunderland see Dr Kejariwal for IBS when symptoms are persistent, unclear, or not responding to initial GP treatment. His thorough, evidence-based approach ensures other conditions are properly excluded before an IBS diagnosis is confirmed.
Causes and risk factors
The exact cause of IBS is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve how the gut and brain communicate, sometimes triggered or worsened by a previous gut infection, food sensitivities, hormonal changes, or psychological stress. It is more common in women and often first appears in early adulthood.
Symptoms
- Abdominal pain or cramping, often eased by opening the bowels
- Bloating and excess wind
- Diarrhoea, constipation, or both, sometimes alternating
- Mucus in the stool
- Symptoms that flare with stress or certain foods
When to seek help: Unexplained weight loss, rectal bleeding, or symptoms starting after age 50 need prompt assessment to rule out other causes.
How it is diagnosed
Diagnosis is based on your symptom pattern, alongside blood tests and stool tests to rule out conditions such as coeliac disease and inflammatory bowel disease. In some cases, further investigation such as a colonoscopy is used to confirm the diagnosis with confidence. Dr Kejariwal takes a methodical approach, ensuring nothing is missed before settling on an IBS diagnosis.
Treatment options
Treatment is tailored to your symptoms and usually combines dietary changes, such as the low-FODMAP approach, lifestyle adjustments, and medication where needed. There are no guaranteed outcomes, and Dr Kejariwal will discuss a realistic, evidence-based plan with you at consultation. See our dedicated IBS treatment page for more detail.
Living with IBS in 2026
IBS affects around one in ten people in the UK at any given time, and while it cannot currently be cured, most people achieve good long-term control of their symptoms once an effective, personalised management plan is in place. Keeping a symptom and food diary remains one of the most useful tools for identifying individual triggers.
Self-care and prevention
Regular, unhurried meals, staying well hydrated, gentle regular exercise, and limiting caffeine and alcohol can all help reduce IBS symptoms. Keeping a food and symptom diary is one of the most effective ways to identify your personal triggers over time.
What to expect at your appointment
Your first consultation with Dr Kejariwal at Cobalt Hospital typically lasts long enough to cover your full history, current symptoms, and any previous tests or treatment in detail, without feeling rushed. He will explain what he thinks is happening in plain English, talk through the realistic options available, and agree a clear next step with you, whether that is further testing, starting treatment, or simply a period of monitoring. A written summary is sent to you and, where appropriate, your GP after every appointment, so nothing gets lost between visits. Most patients are offered an appointment within one to two weeks of getting in touch, and urgent concerns are prioritised accordingly.
When to see a specialist
See a specialist if symptoms persist despite initial treatment, are severe, or are accompanied by red-flag symptoms such as bleeding or weight loss.
Frequently asked questions about IBS
What is the main cause of IBS?
The exact cause of IBS is not fully understood, but it involves how the gut and brain interact, and can be influenced by diet, stress and previous gut infections.
Can IBS turn into something more serious?
IBS itself does not damage the bowel or increase cancer risk, but its symptoms can overlap with other conditions, which is why accurate diagnosis matters.
Does stress make IBS worse?
Yes, stress and anxiety are common triggers for IBS flare-ups, though they are not thought to be the underlying cause of the condition itself.
Are there specific tests to diagnose IBS?
There is no single definitive test for IBS; diagnosis relies on your symptom pattern combined with blood and stool tests to exclude other conditions such as coeliac disease and inflammatory bowel disease.