Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder that debilitates an estimated 25-45 million people just in the United States. It causes abdominal pain and discomfort, but its most troubling characteristic is the unpredictability of bowel movements. It causes sufferers to be acutely aware of intestinal movement and can force them to take frequent and unexpected visits to the bathroom, often very quickly.
Most Americans have some understanding of the effects of IBS and how it limits the capacity to participate in life normally. However, there are still aspects of the disease that are not well-known. Take a look at some lesser-known facts about irritable bowel syndrome below.
There Are At Least Three Classifications of IBS
The term IBS isn't all-encompassing; it is a general name for a collection of symptoms of a condition. There are at least three types, or classifications, of IBS:
- IBS-D – (Diarrhea) Characterized by dominance of diarrhea as a primary result of gastrointestinal distress
- IBS-C – (Constipation) Recognizable by the presence of constipation as the primary result of gastrointestinal distress
- IBS-M – (Mixed) Most often includes a roughly equal presence of constipation and diarrhea
In all types of IBS, sufferers may experience similar abdominal discomfort, including bouts of stomach pain from mild to crippling, but the issue that contributes to that pain is likely to be either mostly diarrhea or mostly constipation. Some patients are unable to predict what symptom will present itself regularly, causing them to suffer from a mix of the two.
75% of Patients Suffering from IBS Go Undiagnosed in the U.S.
There is a social stigma to having and coping with IBS on a daily basis. Excretion of feces, flatulence, and abdominal discomfort are met with general disgust and avoidance in everyday life. It's difficult for those who are dealing with the symptoms to admit to themselves that they may be dealing with irritable bowel syndrome.
Many believe that their symptoms may disappear after a while, and it's likely that those same people may be ashamed to talk to their doctor about it. Fortunately, physicians are well-versed in and comfortable with conversations about the body and how it works, so those who suspect they may have a chronic gastrointestinal problem should seek attention as soon as symptoms begin to interfere with quality of living.
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| IBS affects the digestive system and is much more widespread than you may think. Source: va.gov |
Two-Thirds of IBS Sufferers Are Female
Since the cause of irritable bowel syndrome is largely unknown, it is also a significant challenge to try to pin down why exactly women are 1.5 to 2 times more likely to develop IBS than men. The number of cases in women is astoundingly high, especially when compared to reported cases in men, but these data could be skewed by the 75% of sufferers who have yet to be diagnosed with the disease.
Stress Can Exacerbate IBS Symptoms
Stress cannot cause IBS, but because of the strong connection of the central nervous system to the brain and gut, it can quickly and easily cause its symptoms to worsen. Leading a healthy, stress-free lifestyle is an essential part of keeping IBS from controlling the lives of sufferers, which is no easy task – the U.S. is known well for its propensity toward stress even in those who have not been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome.
Food Plays a Role in the Presence of Symptoms
It may seem obvious, but IBS sufferers are also extremely sensitive to food. They should avoid:
- Cereal
- Processed Foods
- Soft Drinks
- Sugar-free Foods
It's also important to be aware of allergies and what foods may cause allergic reactions in IBS sufferers, such as:
- Dairy
- Eggs
- Coffee
- Wheat
- Yeast
- Potatoes
- Citrus Fruits
Controlling the items that cause IBS symptoms to worsen can help improve the overall condition of IBS. In the meantime, drugs such as xifaxan can help mitigate symptoms and have proven to help eliminate symptoms in some sufferers. Follow all directions given by your doctor and do your best to control your diet to minimize potential causes of IBS. If you believe you may have some of the symptoms typical of IBS, be sure to talk to your doctor.
