Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Awareness Month 2022 – Breaking the Stigma

April is observed as an irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) awareness month. On this month, there have been activities that emphasize the importance of public awareness about diagnosis, treatment of IBS, and quality of life issues for patients with IBS.

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Why We Observe IBS Awareness Month?

IBS affects nearly 45 million people in the U.S. and about 10% to 15% of the global population, according to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders. Though its prevalence is common, many people remain undiagnosed and unaware that their symptoms can be managed. Further, patients are often stigmatized that gut problems are something to be ashamed of, which creates a significant impact on their quality of life.

To overcome the stigma associated with IBS, IFFGD (International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders) designated April as the awareness month for IBS in 1997. It is listed on the U.S. National Health Observances calendar (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
IBS Awareness Month

Go to source).

During this month, individuals, health professionals, teachers, community groups, and others pay more attention to the awareness of IBS diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life issues.

The theme for IBS Awareness Month 2022 is to join patients, family members, and caregivers to increase public awareness about IBS and help destigmatize the different types of IBS (2^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea (also known as IBS-D)

Go to source). That is why we want you to break the taboo and have a real understanding of what it’s like to deal with IBS daily, as part of the IBS awareness month campaign.

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What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

IBS is a lifelong, gastrointestinal disorder that affects the large intestine in our body. It is more common in women than men and mostly affects people aged 45 years or younger. The cause of this condition is still not clear (2^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea (also known as IBS-D)

Go to source).

Abdominal pains, bloating, cramping, diarrhea, gas, and constipation are the common symptoms of IBS. However, this disease has confused doctors for a century. This was first known as “Mucous colitis” by Osler. Later on, this condition was diagnosed by Hurst. Another term called “irritable colon” was used to describe it, which has the same meaning as IBS.

Certain foods trigger IBS conditions such as bread, cereals, carbonated drinks, alcohol, processed food, and dairy products (3^✔ ✔Trusted Source
5 Foods to Avoid if You Have IBS

Go to source).

IBS can be kept under control if you consume more organic and homemade food in your diet that contains fiber, and avoid all the IBS triggering food items. Along with these things, exercise regularly.

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IBS Facts

• IBS affects more than 600 million people in the world population.
• Most persons diagnosed with IBS are under the age of 50.
• Stress https://www.medindia.net/patients/lifestyleandwellness/hobbies-that-help-you-deal-with-stress.htm Hobbies that Help You Deal with Stress does not cause IBS. However, it can trigger the symptoms of IBS.
• The impact of IBS can range from mild inconvenience to severe debilitation.
• ABCDs of IBS are Abdominal pain, Bloating, Constipation, and/or Diarrhea.
• Symptoms are unpredictable. Diarrhea can alternate with constipation.
• Treatments are available for IBS to help manage symptoms only.
• Nearly 2,000 patients with IBS reported in a survey by IFFGD that diagnosis of their IBS was typically made 6.6 years after the symptoms began.
• Approximately 20% to 40% of all visits to gastroenterologists are due to IBS symptoms.
• IBS can only be diagnosed by a medical professional (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
  IBS Awareness Month
  
  Go to source, 2^✔ ✔Trusted Source
  Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea (also known as IBS-D)
  
  Go to source, 4^✔ ✔Trusted Source
  Facts About IBS
  
  Go to source).

How to Observe IBS Month?

• Use the hashtags #IBSAwarenessMonth and #LifeWithIBS on your social media pages.
• Send the IBS Awareness Month press release to your local media outlet or share a link to it on social media.
• Join with IFFGD and use your voice to make a difference.
• Find other resources to raise awareness for IBS in your community, including a link to contact your legislator at Advocate for Digestive Health.
• Find IFFGD on Facebook and Twitter and join the conversation (5^✔ ✔Trusted Source
  Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month 2022
  
  Go to source, 6^✔ ✔Trusted Source
  International IBS Awareness Month
  
  Go to source).

The more we work together to raise awareness for IBS, the greater impact would be positive outcomes, such as additional research, increased educational opportunities, and improved patient care.

Let’s pledge and work for a happy gut community.

References:

1. IBS Awareness Month - (https://aboutibs.org/living-with-ibs/ibs-awareness-month/)
2. Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea (also known as IBS-D) - (https://www.asge.org/home/for-patients/patient-information/understanding-irritable-bowel-syndrome-with-diarrhea-also-known-as-ibs-d)
3. 5 Foods to Avoid if You Have IBS - (https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/5-foods-to-avoid-if-you-have-ibs)
4. Facts About IBS - (https://aboutibs.org/what-is-ibs/facts-about-ibs/)
5. Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month 2022 - (https://gutscharity.org.uk/2022/04/irritable-bowel-syndrome-awareness-month-2022/)
6. International IBS Awareness Month - (https://www.nicswell.co.uk/events/international-ibs-awareness-month-2022)

Source-Medindia