Over-the-counter remedy that could changes the lives of millions of IBS sufferers

For many with Irritable Bowel Syndrome there are days when the prospect of socialising, eating out, going to work, or even just leaving the house is tinged with dread.Symptoms such as bloating, stomach pain, constipation and diarrhoea can be embarrassing and make life miserable - but a new breakthrough remedy offers relief for millions of sufferers

IBS is a common gastrointestinal disorder that affects one in five adults - around 13 million people in the UK, according to the NHS. Most sufferers live in fear of eating something that can trigger symptoms which may include stomach cramps, abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation.

Symptoms can come and go and may last for days, weeks or even months. And many patients are too embarrassed to speak up about it. "IBS is often dismissed as a condition all in the head," says Peter Whorwell, Professor of Medicine and Gastroenterology at Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester. "Yet living with the physical and emotional effects can be extremely challenging. Many sufferers may also experience fatigue, backache, joint pains and psychological issues such as anxiety as a result of its intrusiveness."

The main symptoms affect the bowel. "IBS-D (with diarrhoea) causes frequent, loose bowel movements and an urgent need for the toilet," says Prof Whorwell. "For many, this occurs every time they eat. Such urgency is common in people with IBS-D and IBS-M (mixed bowel habits)." Incontinence can also be a major problem. A study in Digestive Diseases and Sciences showed it affects around a fifth of IBS patients.

"About two thirds of IBS patients I see in tertiary care (specialist medical care) suffer with this," says Prof Whorwell. "Some develop abnormal strategies such as not eating, or making excuses not to socialise. With IBS-C (with constipation), someone can go longer than a week without a bowel movement."

While it's not known exactly what causes IBS, a recent review in medical journal BMC Medicine suggests factors including dietary, environmental, genetic, psychological and microbiome imbalances may raise the risk of developing it.

From her early teens, Anne Muir, 52, regularly experienced stomach pain and discomfort, bloating and frequent changes in bowel movement, including sudden bouts of diarrhoea. These symptoms were initially attributed to colic. But, over time, Anne's symptoms got worse, especially in the week before her period. Anne took ibuprofen to manage the pain, but the tablets did nothing to alleviate her symptoms.

"It wasn't until I was in my late 20s that my GP diagnosed irritable bowel syndrome, and advised me to take an over-the-counter medicine as well as peppermint tablets," says Anne, who is Director of Portfolio management for Venture Capital in Perthshire. "It was a relief to finally have a diagnosis. Unfortunately, these didn't work for me, yet I continued to take them."

A keen swimmer and long distance runner, Anne's symptoms were starting to affect her enjoyment of exercise, particularly running. "I had to wake up an hour early just to gauge how I felt - and, to make sure I'd been to the toilet multiple times before I could even think about working out.

"Sometimes my symptoms would coincide with a race, so I had to cancel, and even normal running was difficult if I was in pain or needed to find a toilet."

Anne also became anxious about eating out. "My job involves a lot of events and entertaining clients, and I don't always know how my stomach will react," she says. "I've tried to identify foods that can trigger symptoms, but that can be quite complicated. I remember one time I'd booked an expensive meal to celebrate my husband's 50th birthday. I spent the whole evening running to the toilet.

"I felt as if I had spoiled the treat for the whole family. Stress can also trigger my symptoms. Then a friend recommended I try silicolgel. Now I take a dose at the first sign of pain or bloating. Symptoms go quickly and I never need to take more than two doses. I can now enjoy a normal life without worrying. I always keep a sachet in my bag, so I can manage symptoms should they strike." Running is also back on Anne's agenda. "Running is essential for my wellbeing - and silicolgel has made it easy again. I've even started training towards an ultra-marathon in 2026."

"There is no cure," says Prof Whorwell. "But, it can go from being a major problem to a minor nuisance - and that's the goal."

Recent IBS treatment guidelines recommend dietary advice, regular exercise, psychological interventions, probiotics and medications to target common symptoms. A new study of 120 people in the Neurogastro-enterology & Motility journal reveals more than 90% of patients with IBS-D and IBS-M gained effective relief and improved quality of life when treated with enterosorbent silicolgel. This is an over-the-counter liquid oral gel containing silicic acid. After four weeks of treatment, patients reported a significant improvement in symptoms.

"We know certain types of abnormal gut bacteria release toxic chemicals that may trigger IBS," says Prof Whorwell. "Silicolgel is an enterosorbent. It's not a drug, but classified as a medical device you can buy over the counter.

"Enterosorbents bind to and 'hoover up' toxins which are then passed out of the body and got rid of that way. Unlike medications, enterosorbents, are not absorbed. So, there are no side-effects. The result of this study suggest that enterosorbents may play an important part in the future management of IBS-D and IBS-M and should be added to treatment options."