Help and Support for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

By Gabby Hyman gabby.hyman@hqpublications.com Pharmavita Columnist October 18, 2005

While most people shy away from discussing it, about 20 percent of the American population suffers from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Irritable Bowel Syndrome is one of the most frequently reported multi-faceted disorders in doctors' offices across the land, approaching more than three million complaints per year. An estimated 70 percent of IBS sufferers are women.

People with IBS have a chronic functional bowel disorder that manifests itself in severe abdominal pain accompanied by constipation and/or diarrhea. IBS cannot be cured though outbreaks may be contained and limited by changes in diet and lifestyle, especially stress reduction.

Doing What You Can with IBS

If you think you may have Irritable Bowel Syndrome visit your physician for a diagnosis. Many other gastro-intestinal woes can look like IBS. Usually the doctor will order a lower GI x-ray or a flexible colonoscopy. If you do have IBS you may be asked to modify your diet or take an anti-spasmodic medication.

You certainly can help yourself by increasing fiber foods or adding fiber supplements to your diet. Diet is not usually the main cause of IBS, but changing your foods can definitely help reduce the frequency of symptoms. Avoid vegetables like legumes and broccoli, and cut way down on alcohol.

Be a Joiner

Considering the estimated 50 million IBS sufferers in the country, you're not alone. You can usually find support groups through your health care provider or online. The groups share invaluable support and broad advice. IBS patients find that what works for one sufferer, may not apply to another. Trial and error seems to be key, along with indispensable persistence, patience, and compassion.

About the Author
Gabby Hyman has written for print and online media for more than 20 years. He has created online content for eToyds, GoTo.com, Siebel Systems, Avaya, and Nissan, UK. He has also been a web consultant to the Governer of California. As an author of fiction, journalism, and poetry, Gabby is a former English professor for the University of Illinois, Universityu of Alaska, and Old Dominion University. He holds an MFA in fiction writing from the University of Alabama.