Facts about Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

A disorder characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort, and altered bowel habit (chronic or recurrent diarrhea, constipation, or both – either mixed or in alternation).

1. IBS affects between 25 and 45 million people in the United States. About 2 in 3 IBS sufferers are female. About 1 in 3 IBS sufferers are male. IBS affects people of all ages, even children.
2. Worldwide it's estimated that 10-15% of the population has IBS.
3. Most persons with IBS are under the age of 50. But many older adults suffer as well.
4. The exact cause of IBS is not known. Symptoms may result from a disturbance in the way the gut, brain, and nervous system interact. This can cause changes in normal bowel movement and sensation.
5. Stress does not cause IBS. However, because of the connection between the brain and the gut, stress can worsen or trigger symptoms.
6. The impact of IBS can range from mild inconvenience to severe debilitation. It can control many aspects of a person's emotional, social and professional life. Persons with moderate to severe IBS must struggle with symptoms that often impair their physical, emotional, economic, educational and social well-being.
7. IBS is unpredictable. Symptoms vary and are sometimes contradictory. Diarrhea can alternate with constipation. Long-term symptoms can disrupt personal and professional activities, and limit individual potential.
8. Treatments are available for IBS to help manage symptoms. Not all treatments work for all people. Through research, better treatments may be found. Although IBS is common in the general population, few seek medical care for their symptoms.
9. Nearly 2,000 patients with IBS reported in a survey by IFFGD that diagnosis of their IBS was typically made 6.6 years after the symptoms began.
10. Approximately 20 to 40% of all visits to gastroenterologists are due to IBS symptoms. For those with IBS, an additional burden comes from living in a society where the word "bowel" may scarcely be spoken. Individuals must cope with multiple symptoms that affect every aspect of their lives. Those around them may be unaware of the impact, or even the existence, of the disorder.
11. IBS can only be diagnosed by a medical professional.

There's no single diet or medicine that works for everyone with IBS. But there are lots of things that can help if you have been diagnosed with it.

General tips to relieve irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms

Do

• cook homemade meals using fresh ingredients when you can
• keep a diary of what you eat and any symptoms you get – try to avoid things that trigger your IBS
• try to find ways to relax
• get plenty of exercises
• try probiotics for a month to see if they help

Don't

• do not delay or skip meals
• do not eat too quickly
• do not eat lots of fatty, spicy or processed foods
• do not eat more than 3 portions of fresh fruit a day (a portion is 80g)
• do not drink more than 3 cups of tea or coffee a day
• do not drink lots of alcohol or fizzy drinks

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