Discuss the causes, symptoms and dietary management of irritable bowel syndrome.

1. 1 · Open in two lines. IBS is a functional bowel disorder with recurring abdominal pain and changed bowel habit but no visible disease. It is managed mainly by diet and stress control.
2. 2 · Types and diagnosis. IBS-C, IBS-D, IBS-M, IBS-U; Rome IV criteria.
3. 3 · Causes and symptoms.
   • Gut-brain axis, sensitive gut, stress, post-infection, FODMAPs.
   • Pain eased by stool, bloating, diarrhoea or constipation, mucus.
4. 4 · Draw how FODMAPs cause symptoms. [Flow: FODMAP not absorbed → draws water into gut → reaches colon → bacteria ferment → gas, bloating, pain, loose stools]
5. 5 · Diet principles. Regular meals, soluble fibre, fluids, limit fat, spice, caffeine, alcohol and fizzy drinks; low-FODMAP diet in three phases.
6. 6 · Foods and menu. FODMAP groups with Indian high and low foods; a one-day menu.
7. 7 · Close in one line. IBS cannot be cured, but the right diet keeps most patients comfortable.

Scoring tip: Expand FODMAP in full and give one Indian food for each letter; it is the part examiners check first.