Which specialist treats irritable bowel syndrome?

IBS can cause abdominal pain alongside changes such as constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, or excessive burping. A GP can review your symptoms, medicines, diet, and examination findings, then decide whether specialist input is needed. A gastroenterologist focuses on the digestive system and can consider other explanations when symptoms persist or do not fit a typical pattern.

The diagnosis is based on your symptom pattern and assessment rather than one single test. Testing may be suggested when another condition needs checking; food intolerance testing is not automatically needed for everyone with IBS.

Book a GP consultation and take a short record of pain, bowel changes, meals, stress, medicines, and symptom timing. This gives the clinician useful detail. If IBS is suspected, treatment may include practical dietary adjustments, activity, sleep support, and medicines matched to constipation, diarrhoea, or pain. Nutrition counselling can help you change foods without removing unnecessary nutrients.

A gastroenterology referral may be appropriate when symptoms continue despite initial care, diagnosis is uncertain, or additional evaluation is needed. Do not start a highly restrictive diet without professional guidance.

Arrange prompt medical assessment for blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, persistent vomiting, fever, severe or worsening abdominal pain, symptoms that wake you repeatedly, or a marked change in bowel habit. Seek urgent help if pain is severe, you feel faint, or you cannot keep fluids down. These features need assessment because they are not explained by IBS alone.

Ask whether your symptoms fit IBS, whether a gastroenterologist is needed, which tests are appropriate, and how to manage constipation or diarrhoea safely. You can also ask which foods to trial, how long to monitor the change, and when to return if symptoms do not improve.