More young people talk about IBS and bloating on social media

Abrupt changes in bowel habits are concerning, she said, and may require further evaluation.

“For example, someone that didn’t really have digestive issues as a child or throughout their life and then all of a sudden is finding a very severe and significant change in their bowel habits,” she said. “These are all things that we would want someone to talk to their doctor about.”

And if you see blood in your stool – no matter the quantity or degree of frequency – or have ongoing diarrhoea for more than a couple of weeks, seek care immediately.

WHAT CAN I DO TO RELIEVE DIGESTIVE PAIN?

Dr Naidoo said some mindfulness practices like stress management, meditation and breathwork can help. Food sensitivities can trigger IBS symptoms, so adjusting your diet and exercising more also may make a difference.

“Simply doing something like finding a good probiotic that they take, or adding probiotics and fermented foods to their diet slowly and steadily can be good,” she said. “Stress management is a huge part of this. In combination with dietary adjustment, it can be very powerful.”

However, if symptoms worsen or are unmanageable at home, that should be a sign to seek professional help.