It’s Time to Create Awareness Surrounding IBS

This April, it’s time to start opening up conversations about a topic most people shy away from. It’s time to start talking about your bowels. April is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Awareness Month, a month used to bring light to and educate people about debilitating illness that affects millions of Americans.

Who Suffers From IBS?

The American Academy of Gastroenterology estimates that 10-15% of the adult population in the U.S. suffers with IBS, and only 5-7% have received an official diagnosis, which means that many people are suffering in silence without the help that they need. Both men and women can be affected by IBS, but it does tend to affect women more frequently, and it’s most common before the age of 50 and amongst people who have a family history of irritable bowel syndrome. IBS is a chronic condition that can manifest in different ways but usually includes abdominal cramping, constipation or diarrhea, swollen and bloated stomach, gas and general stomach discomfort.

How Is IBS Diagnosed And Treated?

Since there’s no known cause for IBS, there is also no test that can definitively determine if you have it. Most doctors will perform some tests to rule out other illnesses, ask questions about your health and family history, and potentially perform a colonoscopy or some blood tests. There is no treatment for the condition, but a lot of people who suffer from it find that it helps to change up their diet, work on stress relief, and in some cases, receive medical treatment.

What’s The Best Way To Celebrate IBS Awareness Month?

The International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders  is an excellent place to start for information on IBS and how to celebrate IBS Awareness Month. Join in the discussion on Facebook and Twitter or visit their website for educational resources and more information about the condition. One of the best ways to make others aware of IBS and how it affects people is to speak up about it if you are suffering from it. If you are feeling the affects of IBS and haven’t seen a doctor about it, it’s time to call Texas Digestive Disease Consultants and schedule an appointment with one of our doctors. You can find a location near you here . We can place you on a healthy path to begin managing your symptoms and start living a healthier and more comfortable life.