April is IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) Awareness Month

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that causes many uncomfortable and painful symptoms for the patient. With April being IBS Awareness Month, the public can be educated on how devastating this disorder actually is. Since 1997, the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) has worked diligently each year on providing resources on IBS treatments, diagnosis, and coping with IBS. The IFFGD also takes the opportunity each April to provide IBS information to the media and newspapers.

According to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, Irritable Bowel Syndrome affects approximately 10% - 20% of the population. IBS is also the most common disorder or disease diagnosed by gastroenterologists and one of the most common disorders seen among general practitioners. Irritable Bowel Syndrome is more common among women. Only about 40% of IBS patients are male. It is estimated that 20% - 40% of all visits to a gastroenterologist are due to Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms or related issues. The cause or causes for Irritable Bowel Syndrome are unknown and it is a common symptom in other mystery illnesses such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and Interstitial Cystitis.

It is believed that IBS may be caused by a malfunction between the brain, nervous system and stomach that alter the regulation of sensory function. IBS is not caused by stress but stress can be a trigger that causes IBS symptoms to flare. IBS is unpredictable and a person who suffers from it never knows when their symptoms will be triggered. One time an IBS patient may be hit with severe diarrhea, while the next time constipation is the problem.

For some people, Irritable Bowel Syndrome is just a mild avoidance in their lives. For approximately 10 - 15 million IBS is a moderate or severe problem that disrupts their everyday life and routine.

Symptoms of IBS

Symptoms of IBS can vary among patients as well as the severity. The most commons symptoms include:

- Lower abdominal discomfort or pain where the location and severity of pain can vary

- Bowel habit changes - one time diarrhea, the next possibly constipation, or chronic diarrhea or constipation

- Abdominal cramps that can range from mild to severe where the person will double over from the pain

- Feelings of urgency - Patient may feel as though they are going to have a bowel movement suddenly and it is an intense urge to go

- Nausea

- Heartburn

- Bloating

- Abdominal fullness

Irritable Bowel Syndrome can be treated but there is currently no cure. Proper diet, nutrition, relaxation techniques combined with medication can help relieve symptoms of IBS.

If you would like to participate in IBS Awareness Month, visit the IFFGD website to see how you can get involved.