Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition which affects about 10% of the population in Singapore. It is characterized by abdominal discomfort/pain that is associated with diarrhoea, constipation, or a bowel habit that alternates between constipation and diarrhoea. Symptoms may be severe and can adversely affect an individual’s quality of life. Effective treatment options are available for IBS, but as the symptoms are extremely varied, treatment needs to be individualized according to the patient’s needs.