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Managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) clock 10 Min

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Managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) clock 10 Min

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In Sponsored education

Managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

SUPPORTING CUSTOMERS WITH A CLINICALLY-PROVEN, LONG-LASTING TREATMENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

  • Recognise the prevalence of IBS and understand its impact on customers

  • Understand how an impaired gut barrier is a significant cause of IBS symptoms

  • Explain how FyboCalm works to help relieve IBS symptoms by addressing the root cause

DID YOU KNOW?

The gut is frequently referred to as the “SECOND BRAIN” and has its own intelligence system, with more than 100 MILLION NEURONS.1

Understanding IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal (GI) condition that can cause abdominal pains, bloating, constipation and diarrhoea. It is a chronic, recurring condition that can often be debilitating.2

IBS is characterised as a disorder of the gut-brain interaction (DGBI). In other words, there is a disconnection between how the brain and gut communicate with one another.1

The causes are still not fully understood, but are likely to be a combination of biological, psychological and social factors.2

ROLE OF STRESS AND ANXIETY

In addition to affecting overall wellbeing, stress and anxiety can significantly disrupt gut function.1 Conversely, IBS itself can negatively impact mental health, contributing to symptoms such as low mood, feeling isolated, and feelings of overwhelm due to the unpredictable symptoms.1 Chronic stress may further worsen symptoms by impairing the gut barrier and altering gut motility (how food moves through the GI tract) and sensitivity.1

IMPACT ON PATIENTS

All of this means that IBS can have a profound impact on quality of daily life.1 This can be particularly concerning for many young people as the most common age of diagnosis is between 20-40 years.3

Pharmacy teams have an important role in supporting customers with IBS, particularly due to the issue of polypharmacy when treating IBS symptoms. You can offer advice to help tackle the underlying causes and educate customers on the link between mental wellbeing and gut health to help reduce symptoms and improve outcomes.

A TREATMENT OPTION TO CONSIDER IS ONE WHICH TACKLES GUT BARRIER DYSFUNCTION (A KEY CAUSE OF IBS SYMPTOMS),4 AND HELPS TO PREVENT SYMPTOMS FROM RETURNING.

Adverse event reporting is available at the end of the module.

Content developed by Reckitt in association with CIG Healthcare Partnership.
© 2026 CIG Healthcare Partnership

RT-M-LHPtIb June 2026

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