Author: Dr Udi Shmueli

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is often dismissed as a trivial complaint blown out of proportion by neurotic hypochondriacs. The reality is very different. It is an extremely common and distressing problem affecting up to 20% of the population at any one time. The symptoms include bloating, wind, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and constipation, and the condition can vary in severity.

If you suffer from IBS , this book will answer the questions that you were too embarrassed to ask. Based on his long experience as a consultant gastroenterologist. Dr Shmueli provides detailed guidance on all aspects of the condition, answering over 430 questions from people with IBS.

IBS: Answers at your Fingertips gives you:

• Comprehensive answers to all your questions about IBS: it's causes, symptoms and treatment
• Self-help techniques that really work
• Guidance on identifying other illnesses and disorders that could cause abdominal pain, plus a section explaining relevant medical tests and investigations
• The latest reseach on food allergy and intolerance
• Advice on complementary therapies, including herbal medicine, acupuncture and hypnotherapy

Questions include:

• How common is IBS?
• Is IBS predominantly a disease of Western developed countries?
• Is IBS associated with indigestion?
• Do probiotics help?
• What increases the pain signal from the gut?
• What do doctors need to know about the nature of the pain to make a diagnosis?
• If the tests are normal will the doctor think I have wasted his time?
• Where does all the gas in the bowel come from?
• Is bloating real?
• Which foods are most likely to make gas problems and bloating worse?
• Is there any right number of times to open my bowels each day?
• What causes constipation?
• I’ve had diarrhoea for almost a month now. What could be causing it?
• Who gets coeliac disease?
• What is worse for long-term health – constipation or diarrhoea?
• Why are doctors sceptical about dietary interventions for IBS?
• Which foods are most commonly involved in food allergy?

"Very readable and comprehensive... also good at allaying reasonable fears that IBS sufferers may have. I would recommend it."
Sara Selmes, Development Officer, The Gut Trust

"A very informative book; a resource that can be frequently used to refer to for advice."
Mary Haslam SRN, Senior Nurse Manager, Medical Advisory Service

For further information about IBS, please visit www.ibsnetwork.org