Charity wants to challenge the ‘poo taboo’
Irritable bowel syndrome affects up to one in three people at some point in their lives. Here, health correspondent Mark Smith looks at the symptoms and treatments in detail...
Millions of adults across the UK are living with irritable bowel syndrome, more commonly known as IBS.
It is a common, long-term condition of the digestive system which can cause frequent bloating, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea and constipation.
But the IBS Network, a leading charity for the condition, claims many people don’t even realise they have it or are being misdiagnosed. sufferers can also experience: A lack of energy Feeling sick Backache Bladder problems Anxiety or depression IBS can be developed at any age, but people usually have their first symptoms between the ages of 20 and 30. Research shows women are twice as likely to get it as men, but this might be because women are more likely to visit their GP about their symptoms. It is estimated there are as many as 12 million sufferers throughout the UK, which means between 10% and 15% of the population have it. Although there is currently no cure for IBS, there are ways to improve symptoms and feel better.
IIt’s thought that in people with IBS, the gut is simply more sensitive.
But experts still don’t know what causes it. Some suggest it could be triggered by an infection, such as gastroenteritis, or overuse of antibiotics or other drugs, typically anti-inflammatories.
The IBS Network says while the illness has “no specific cause”, changes in diet or lifestyle could also have an impact.
A spokesman for the charity said: “Physiological studies have shown that the gut in IBS tends to be more sensitive and reactive (irritable). Causes of this may include a traumatic or upsetting event or situation or an attack of gastroenteritis.” Gut-related activities are regulated by the brain. So health experts believe people with IBS have a “faulty communication” between the brain and the intestinal tract.
This miscommunication can then cause abnormal muscle contractions or spasms, which often cause cramping pain. To help ease the symptoms, experts suggest people try to de-stress as much as possible. Research as part of IBS Awareness Month in May revealed a third (33%) of sufferers across the UK had to visit their GP or medical professional more than five times to reach a final diagnosis.
One in 10 (11%) had to make more than 10 GP visits to reach a diagnosis from the point of getting their first symptoms. And one in five (19.5%) of those suffering from IBS said that making time for appointments had an impact on their work life.
It can also get confused with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which is a more serious condition.
Dr Simon Smale, gastroenterologist and medical adviser to the IBS Network said: “Irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease are conditions which often present with similar symptoms.
“Unfortunately this often leads to delay in investigation and diagnosis of both conditions. A negative faecal calprotectin test combined with appropriate clinical assessment, offers a useful way of making a positive diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome, without delay or resort to invasive and unpleasant investigation.” Alison Reid, CEO of the IBS Network said: “IBS affects between 10 and 20% of the population, that’s about 12 million people.
“The condition can mean feelings of isolation through an inability to leave the house for fear of an accident, cancelled holidays, and days off work.
“The stress caused by the distress of these symptoms, worry of losing job, the humiliation of an accident, can make the condition worse, which creates a vicious circle. Pharmacists play a key role in signposting people with IBS symptoms to see their GP for a diagnosis.
“Our members have reported that talking openly about their condition with people who understand really helps them break this cycle supporting them in taking control of their IBS. Through our work, the charity is challenging the ‘poo taboo.’”