At a glance
Common symptoms | Abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, constipation |
Diagnosis | Rome IV criteria and investigations to exclude other conditions |
Treatment | Diet, lifestyle changes and medications |
Long-term outlook | Symptoms can usually be managed with appropriate treatment |
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic disorder of gut-brain and gut-food interaction that affects how the intestines function. It commonly causes recurring abdominal pain, bloating (link to bloating & excessive gas) and changes in bowel habits, including diarrhoea, constipation (link to constipation) or alternating episodes of both.
Unlike inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or colorectal cancer, IBS does not cause visible inflammation or structural damage to the intestines. However, its symptoms can significantly affect daily activities, work productivity, travel and overall quality of life.
IBS is a common digestive condition in the Philippines. Because its symptoms often overlap with other gastrointestinal disorders, persistent or worsening bowel symptoms should be properly assessed to confirm the diagnosis, exclude more serious conditions and guide appropriate long-term management.
A note from Dr Aaron PohIt’s important to understand that IBS is not 'nothing'. It is a recognised disorder of gut-brain and gut-food interaction that can significantly affect quality of life. However, because many gastrointestinal conditions share similar symptoms, it is important not to assume that every episode of abdominal pain, bloating or altered bowel habits is caused by IBS. A thorough assessment helps confirm the diagnosis and ensures that other conditions requiring different treatment are not overlooked. |
IBS is classified according to the predominant bowel habit, which can help guide treatment and symptom management.
IBS is considered a disorder of gut-brain and gut-food interaction, where communication between the digestive tract and nervous system becomes disrupted. This altered communication can affect how the intestines move, respond to normal digestive processes and process sensations, leading to recurring abdominal pain, bloating and changes in bowel habits.
Although the exact cause of IBS is not fully understood, several factors are believed to contribute to its development, including:
No single factor is responsible for IBS in every individual. Instead, the condition is thought to result from a combination of biological, environmental and psychological influences that affect the normal function of the digestive system.
The symptoms vary between individuals but commonly include:
Although IBS can affect anyone, factors associated with a higher likelihood of developing symptoms include:
FEATURE | IBS | IBD |
Underlying problem | Altered gut-brain interaction and bowel function | Chronic inflammation of the digestive tract |
Structural damage | No | Yes |
Common conditions | IBS-D, IBS-C, IBS-M | Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis (link to colitis) |
Rectal bleeding | Uncommon | More common |
Weight loss | Uncommon | May occur |
Colonoscopy findings | Usually normal | May show inflammation, ulcers or narrowing |
Cancer risk | Does not increase colorectal cancer risk | May increase risk with longstanding disease |
Treatment focus | Symptom control and trigger management | Controlling inflammation and preventing complications |
Many patients assume IBS and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are the same condition because both can cause abdominal pain, diarrhoea and changes in bowel habits.
However, IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that affects how the intestines work, whereas IBD involves ongoing inflammation that can damage the intestinal lining and lead to serious complications if it is left untreated.
Many patients assume recurring bowel symptoms are simply IBS. However, symptoms such as abdominal discomfort (link to stomach pain & discomfort), diarrhoea and altered bowel habits may also occur in other gastrointestinal conditions.
These include:
Medical assessment becomes particularly important when symptoms are accompanied by:
This is particularly relevant because colorectal cancer incidence continues to rise throughout many parts of Asia, including the Philippines, making proper diagnosis increasingly important.
As there is no single test that can definitively confirm IBS, the diagnosis is made based on a combination of investigative processes.
One of the most widely used diagnostic frameworks is the Rome IV criteria, which help identify IBS based on characteristic symptoms. In general, IBS is considered when a person experiences recurring abdominal pain over the preceding months, together with at least two of the following:
Dr Aaron Poh will also consider other investigations where appropriate to exclude conditions that may mimic IBS:
Treatment for IBS is highly individualised and depends on the predominant symptoms, the severity of the condition and the specific triggers identified. In many cases, a combination of dietary, lifestyle and medical interventions is required for effective symptom control.
For patients travelling from the Philippines, arrangements can often begin before arriving in Singapore.
A teleconsultation with Dr Aaron Poh may be arranged before travel. This allows your symptoms, medical history and previous investigations to be reviewed in advance, so that appropriate assessments can be planned before your visit.
To prepare for your consultation, it will be helpful to have:
The Alpine Surgical team can assist with coordinating consultations, investigations and follow-up appointments within your intended travel period to help make your visit more efficient.
Many patients from the Philippines seek specialist evaluation after experiencing months or years of recurring bloating, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea or constipation without a clear explanation.
At Alpine Surgical Practice, Dr Aaron Poh takes a structured approach to understanding your symptoms, reviewing previous investigations and identifying whether IBS is the most likely diagnosis or whether additional assessment is required to exclude other colorectal conditions. For patients travelling to Singapore, consultation and investigation planning can often be coordinated efficiently, helping to reduce uncertainty and provide a clearer path towards symptom control.
If recurring bowel symptoms are affecting your quality of life, arranging an appointment may help provide greater diagnostic clarity and a more personalised treatment plan.
Dr Aaron Poh is a fully accredited General Surgeon with dual subspecialties in Colorectal Surgery and Trauma Surgery, recognised by Singapore’s Specialist Accreditation Board and Ministry of Health. He is the Medical Director of Alpine Surgical Practice, with clinics located at Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Parkway East Hospital, and Farrer Park Hospitals.
Dr Aaron Poh has extensive experience, having performed over 5,000 endoscopic procedures. He is a strong advocate for early detection through colonoscopy, particularly for individuals at risk of colorectal cancer. His expertise includes advanced endoscopic techniques such as Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) for complex polyps and colonic stenting for obstructed cancers, which help patients avoid major emergency surgery.
When surgery is required, he specialises in minimally invasive laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery, offering patients faster recovery with less pain and scarring. In addition to cancer care, he manages a wide range of anal conditions including haemorrhoids, fistulas, fissures, and abscesses, providing comprehensive colorectal treatment.
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