IBS awareness month 2018

The month of April is recognised as IBS awareness month, which was declared by the IFFGD organisation and is listed on the United States National Health Observances calendar. IBS Awareness Month aims to raise awareness about the disorder. This event encourages people who have symptoms of IBS to seek medical advice. A further aim is to reduce the stigma associated with IBS by encouraging people to talk more about the condition.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a relatively common disease that affects anywhere between 10-15 percent of the general population. IBS is a disorder in which a person experiences chronic, recurrent bowel problems and abdominal pain. Bowel problems may include constipation, diarrhoea, pain or a combination of these.

A person with IBS will experience intestinal discomfort daily, but the frequency and severity of IBS symptoms are not predictable and can vary. If IBS symptoms are not managed, it can be disruptive to a person’s life. IBS can affect a person physically and emotionally.

While the cause of IBS is not known, it is thought that the symptoms of IBS and brought on by disruption to the interaction between brain, nervous system and gut.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder. According to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD), it's estimated that between 9-23% of the global population is affected by IBS; over 30 million people in the United States have this condition. IBS is also more common in females accounting for two out of every three cases.

IBS cannot be cured, however once medical assistance is sort and the condition managed, IBS may give minimal or no disruption to a person’s life.

The month of April was first designated as IBS Awareness Month in 1997 and 'Don't Suffer In Silence' is a common theme used in this awareness campaign

For more information on IBS and IBS Awareness Month visit the IFFGD website.