AVA/Prof Abhinav VasudevanGastroenterologist & Endoscopist
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Irritable bowel syndrome & bloating

Finding the reasons behind persistent gut symptoms.

IBS and chronic bloating can affect comfort, confidence and everyday life. Symptoms may arise from several overlapping factors, including bowel sensitivity, altered bowel movement, dietary triggers and changes in communication between the gut and nervous system. A careful assessment can help clarify the likely causes and develop a practical, individualised treatment plan.

Understanding your symptoms

IBS can cause abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, constipation or a combination of these symptoms. Standard investigations may be normal, but the symptoms are real and can have a substantial effect on daily life.

Different factors contribute in different people, which is why treatment needs to be individualised. These may include:

  • Increased sensitivity within the bowel
  • Changes in how quickly the bowel moves
  • Foods that trigger or worsen symptoms
  • Changes in communication between the gut and nervous system
  • Alterations in the gut microbiome
  • A previous gut infection or inflammation

A careful and balanced assessment

The first step is understanding your symptoms, medical history, diet, previous investigations and what concerns you most. Testing is not always necessary, but blood tests, coeliac screening, stool testing or colonoscopy may be recommended when appropriate, particularly if there is bleeding, iron deficiency, weight loss, a persistent change in bowel habit or a relevant family history.

A plan that fits your situation

There is no single treatment that suits everyone with IBS. Care may include changes to diet, treatment of constipation or diarrhoea, medicines for bowel sensitivity or movement, and strategies addressing the connection between the gut and nervous system. The aim is to match treatment to your main symptoms, priorities and everyday life.

IBS and bloating questions

Could my bloating be SIBO?

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is one possible cause of bloating, but it is less common than conditions such as IBS, constipation and increased bowel sensitivity. Breath testing also has limitations, so the decision to test is best made after considering your symptoms and individual risk factors.

Do I need a colonoscopy if I have IBS?

Not always. Colonoscopy is not required to diagnose IBS itself, but may be recommended if there are symptoms or features that need to be excluded first, particularly in the presence of warning symptoms or a relevant family history.

What is the difference between IBS and inflammatory bowel disease?

IBS is a disorder of gut function without visible inflammation or damage to the bowel. Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, involves ongoing inflammation that can usually be identified on colonoscopy, imaging, or blood and stool tests. The two conditions can sometimes coexist, which is one reason an accurate diagnosis matters.

Can diet changes help?

For many people, dietary factors play a meaningful role, and structured approaches such as a low-FODMAP diet can help identify individual triggers. This is usually most effective when guided rather than self-directed long term, to avoid unnecessary food restriction.

General information: Healthdirect Australia.

Clinical information by Associate Professor Abhinav Vasudevan, FRACP, PhD. Reviewed 18 September 2026.

Appointments and referrals

Arrange an IBS or bloating consultation

Tell us briefly what care you are seeking and a member of the practice team will aim to contact you within two business days about the next step. Responses may take longer during public holidays and planned practice closures.

Request an appointmentFor referring GPs