Contact number: 020 7806 4060
Treatment for IBS
If you are experiencing ongoing digestive symptoms, private IBS treatment in London can help you get a clear diagnosis and personalised care without long waiting times. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive condition that affects the way the gut and brain communicate.
IBS is classified as a Disorder of Gut–Brain Interaction (DGBI). This means the digestive system becomes more sensitive and bowel function changes, even though routine tests often show no structural abnormality or inflammation.
There are several types of IBS, including:
- IBS-D – diarrhoea-predominant
- IBS-C – constipation-predominant
- IBS-M – mixed bowel habits
- IBS-U – unclassified symptoms
Related gut–brain conditions can also include functional dyspepsia (upper abdominal discomfort, nausea or early fullness) and functional bloating.
At our private IBS clinic in London, our gastroenterology specialists provide thorough assessment and tailored treatment plans to help patients manage symptoms and improve quality of life. IBS symptoms can often be influenced by factors such as stress, diet, and previous gastrointestinal infections.
What Are the Symptoms of IBS
Symptoms of IBS vary from person to person, but most people experience a combination of abdominal discomfort and changes in bowel habits.
Common IBS symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Bloating or abdominal distension
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Alternating diarrhoea and constipation
- Urgency to open the bowels
- A feeling of incomplete bowel emptying
- Excess gas
- Mucus in the stool
Some patients may also experience additional digestive symptoms such as:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Indigestion
- Early satiety (feeling full quickly when eating)
Certain symptoms may suggest another digestive condition and should always be assessed by a specialist. These include:
- Rectal bleeding
- Unexplained weight loss
- Waking during the night due to symptoms
- Abnormal blood test results
If you are experiencing persistent digestive symptoms, a consultation at a private IBS clinic in London can help determine the underlying cause.
What Tests Are Done to Diagnose IBS?
There is no single test that confirms IBS. Instead, diagnosis is based on symptoms and ruling out other digestive conditions.
During an assessment for private IBS treatment, a gastroenterologist may recommend tests such as:
- Blood tests to check for inflammation or coeliac disease
- Stool tests, including faecal calprotectin to rule out inflammatory bowel disease
- Gastroscopy to examine the stomach and upper digestive tract
- Colonoscopy to examine the large bowel
- Capsule endoscopy to assess the small intestine in certain cases
- Breath tests for food intolerances or bacterial overgrowth
In many people with IBS, these tests return normal results. Specialists therefore often use recognised diagnostic guidelines, such as the Rome criteria, alongside a detailed review of symptoms.
Dietary assessment and symptom tracking with a specialist dietitian may also form part of IBS management to help identify food triggers.
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Frequently Asked Questions about IBS treatment
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), a well-connected and vibrant area of North West London, known for landmarks such as Regent’s Park and Abbey Road Studios. We are easily accessible from neighbouring areas, including Hampstead (NW3) and Kilburn (NW6):
- By Tube: St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is just a 5-minute walk from the hospital. For patients travelling from Hampstead (NW3), Finchley Road station (Jubilee Line) offers a convenient route, while Kilburn (NW6) is similarly well served by the same line.
- By Bus:
Wellington Road: Routes 13, 46, 82, and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station, just a short walk from the hospital.
Circus Road: Routes 46 and 187 stop close to the hospital’s Circus Road entrance.
Abbey Road: Routes 139 and 189 stop near the junction where Grove End Road becomes Abbey Road, providing easy access.
- By Car: If you’re travelling from NW3 or NW6, use major roads like Finchley Road or Kilburn High Road for a direct approach.
Our hospital’s location in St John’s Wood ensures easy access for patients across London, particularly from the NW8, NW3, and NW6 postcodes
If you are worried about your symptoms or have been referred by your GP, you can get in touch to book an appointment with one of our specialist consultants. During your initial visit, your doctor will ask about your symptoms, review any test results, take a detailed medical history, and discuss your treatment options.
Your consultant will offer you various tests to rule out other gastroenterology conditions, before confirming a diagnosis of IBS. You may also be referred to a dietician who could help with creating a diet plan or a counsellor/therapist to help with stress and anxiety.
Medically reviewed by Mr Massimo Varcada - MBBS MD FRCS FEBS (Coloproctology) on 11/04/2024