Do You Also Suffer From IBS?

Recent studies have found that Irritable Bowels Syndrome (IBS) is much more common than most people think. If you have IBS, then you need to know that you are not alone. Many other people are going through the same condition as you.

Ten to twenty percent of the population is affected by IBS. It is one of the most commonly diagnosed conditions by physicians. The sad thing is that over seventy percent of people with IBS do not even go to the doctor for their condition. Therefore, this makes it not only a very common condition, but it is also one that most health care providers do not get consulted about.

IBS Syndrome affects people of all different ages and ethnicities. It can strike at any age for the first time, too. Children are affected with it just as commonly as adults are. The only major demographic difference is that it affects more females than males.

Sixty percent of IBS sufferers are women. Scientists and physicians believe that the cause of this percentage difference is connected to the menstruation and hormones of women.

The severity of the symptoms of IBS is different between sufferers and only very few sufferers even go to the doctor. This is due to many different reasons. Some IBS sufferers do not have severe symptoms, which makes them reluctant to visit their doctor. Severe symptoms will make a person more apt to visit their doctor to get some relief.

Some of the symptoms of IBS are not recognized by many people as belonging to IBS. These people may have mild IBS, but they do not visit their doctor because they are embarrassed to share their symptoms. Because of this embarrassment, this condition is probably much more prevalent in society than people even realize.

If you have IBS, it is important to realize that you are not the only one. Other people are suffering from this condition as well, whether it is mild or severe. Talking about IBS with your doctor and your family will allow you to become more comfortable with your condition so that you can find ways to cope. Support groups are a great way for you to find other people who are suffering from the same condition.

Keeping track of the foods that you eat and your symptoms will allow you to find the triggers of your IBS symptoms. Also include your moods and your menstrual cycle in your tracking. Being able to track your illness will help you to gain better control of your condition and your life.