April is Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month
Every year in April, people around the world join together to increase awareness of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Although it is considered a taboo subject by some people, IBS affects 25 to 45 million Americans. This month-long event is an awareness campaign co-sponsored by The IBS Network and The International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders.
History of IBS Awareness Month
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a lifelong, gastrointestinal disorder, which affects the large intestine in our body. IBS is a chronic disease related to the large intestine, it is found to be more common in women than men. It mostly affects people who are 45 years of age or younger. The cause of this syndrome is still unknown.
People who suffer from IBS are likely to have abdominal pains, bloating, cramping, diarrhea, gas, and constipation. However, this disease does not increase the chances of colorectal cancer. Irritable bowel syndrome has confused doctors for a century. This syndrome was first known as “Mucous colitis” by Osler. Later on, this condition was diagnosed by Hurst. Another term was used to describe it called “irritable colon” which has the same meaning as that to IBS.
IFFGD (International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders) declared April as the awareness month for IBS in 1997. This month, more attention is given to the importance of health and awareness of IBS diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life issues. It is known that 15% of people have IBS, out of which 20% of people seek medical treatment. Symptoms of IBS can occur early in life and some patients have symptoms as soon as they reach 30 years.
FAQs About IBS
What does “irritable” mean in IBS?
When using the term “irritable” bowel, it is important to understand that the bowel is not actually irritated. Patients with symptoms of IBS were originally described as having a spastic or nervous colon, and/or spastic bowel. Over time, researchers and clinicians began to refer to this group of symptoms as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
They used the term irritable bowel syndrome to describe that the nerve endings in the bowel wall, which control muscle function and sensation of the gut, are unusually sensitive. When this occurs, even normal conditions that can stimulate the bowel, such as eating a meal, a woman having her period (menses), or feeling pressure at work may lead to a greater response for persons with IBS when compared to others. This can result in the nerves and muscles of the bowel becoming more active producing diarrhea, bloating, or pain and discomfort.
How common is IBS?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects up to 5-10% of individuals worldwide. IBS affects children and adults of both genders.
Is IBS a serious illness?
Although IBS does not shorten a person’s life span, it is associated with a large health care and economic burden. Studies have shown that IBS patients have an increased number of health care visits, diagnostic tests, and surgeries. IBS can also severely impact a person’s quality of life.
How do I know if I have IBS?
A knowledgeable physician can diagnose IBS by careful review of your symptoms, an abdominal examination, and selected diagnostic procedures that are often limited to a few basic tests.
The abdominal examination is a physical examination of the abdomen which generally done in four different stages by your healthcare provider
- inspection of the visible characteristics of the abdomen;
- listening to the abdomen with a stethoscope.
- using their hands to inspect the patient’s abdomen.
- tapping the patient’s abdomen and abdominal organs.
What are the signs and symptoms of IBS?
Abdominal pain is the key symptom of IBS and is often relieved with the passing of a bowel movement (defecation). There are many causes for abdominal pain, but in IBS, the pain or discomfort is connected with a change in bowel habits. Everyone suffers from bowel changes now and then. However, for those with IBS, the symptoms are more severe or occur more often. They can be constant or keep coming back.
The typical features of IBS are generally recognizable by a healthcare physician. Usually, the physician will examine the abdomen of a patient with IBS and it will be normal or have only tenderness. The most important first step is confidently recognizing the diagnosis of IBS and removing the suspicion of other diseases.
IBS affects men and women of all ages. It also occurs in children.
Will I have IBS forever?
Over time, some people with IBS will no longer have symptoms. It has been established that each year about 10% of IBS patients get better. Persons with IBS that starts after an infection in their digestive systems, such as traveler’s diarrhea or food poisoning are more likely to get better over time than persons with IBS that is not related to an infection.
How do I prevent IBS?
There are some do’s and don’ts when it comes to IBS. A general guideline can be followed to ensure that symptoms are controlled.
- Make sure the majority of food eaten is homemade or fresh.
- Keep a diary of everything you eat in order to understand what triggers symptoms.
- Take in probiotics to help with the overall health of your digestive system.
- Do not eat too quickly or have too much delay in between meals.
- Avoid alcohol and carbonated drinks.
Observing IBS Awareness Month
Eat home-cooked food
It is highly recommended to include organic and homemade food in your diet, fresh food is a great way to save yourself from this disorder, so make sure to eat a majority of fresh food this month. We want people to consume healthy and fresh food, to avoid having intestinal issues.
Exercise daily and encourage others
This month, go for walks and jogs. Try to choose any favorite activity and encourage others to join you too. An increased heart rate decreases intestinal issues.
Spread awareness about IBS on social media
Use the power of social media and spread awareness of IBS through it. We should utilize our power to make people aware of IBS so that more research is done on it, and more advanced treatments are discovered to deal with it. Use hashtags with your posts like #IBSmonth or #IrritableBowelSyndromeMonth.
Most people suffering from IBS do not seek medical advice, hence if people are more aware of it, then they would go to the doctors and get medically treated for it.
Sources:
https://aboutibs.org/living-with-ibs/ibs-awareness-month/
https://www.whathealth.com/awareness/event/ibsawarenessmonth.html
https://nationaltoday.com/ibs-month/
https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/ibs-awareness-month-2022/