Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects up to 10% of individuals worldwide, making it one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders. It is a long-term condition characterized by abdominal pain and changes in bowel movement frequency or texture, including constipation, diarrhea, or both. Symptoms tend to come and go over time, and can last for days, weeks, or months at a time. Although IBS does not shorten a person's life span, it can severely impact their quality of life. The symptoms of IBS are often misunderstood and may keep those who suffer from speaking openly about their condition with family, friends, employers, and even their healthcare providers.
This "You and IBS: An Animated Patient Guide to Irritable Bowel Syndrome" resource provides information on signs and symptoms, causes, diagnosis, management and treatment strategies to help those impacted by IBS and increase public awareness. There's no cure, but diet changes and medicines can often help control the symptoms. IBS is managed with a combination of diet, medications, and other treatments. You can learn about the importance of working with a registered dietician to develop a personalized nutrition plan to reduce IBS attacks. A nutrition plan may include trying a low-FODMAP diet. You can also learn about IBS treatments such as fiber, supplements, peppermint oil, prescription-only medications, and investigational treatments being studied in clinical trials. Cognitive behavioral therapy and hypnotherapy have been shown to help. Each person's IBS is different, so your treatment should be personalized to you and your symptoms.
This educational activity has been developed by the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders and Mechanisms in Medicine Inc., with the assistance of Faculty who are experts in irritable bowel syndrome, Dr. Shanti L. Eswaran, MD and Dr. Jordan M. Shapiro, MD, MS. Read more about the Authors here.
