Many do not realise that Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is in fact very common. If you have IBS, you may feel as if you are the only one suffering from this embarassing condition. However, this is hardly true. You can be assured that this condition is much more pervalent than you think it is.
What is IBS? IBS is a functional disorder of the intestines. Common symptoms are bloating and gas after meals and alternating constipation with diarrhea. In the past, IBS is often referred to as spastic colon or mucous colitis
Ten to twenty percent people in America have IBS. Physicians find that it is one of the most commonly diagnosed conditions. However, over seventy percent of people with IBS do not even go to the doctor for their condition. This could be due to a variety of reasons such as lack of awareness, embarassment and inertia. 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 affects people irregardless of age and ethnicity. It can strike at any age for the first time, too. Children are not spared. They can be affected with it as well.
The only major demographic difference is that it affects more females than males. Sixty percent of IBS sufferers are female. Researchers believe that the cause of this percentage difference is connected to the menstruation and hormones of women.
If you have IBS, it is important to realize that you are not the only one. This is the first step to getting over your embarassment. 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.
You can take proactive action to help yourself. Keeping track of the foods that you eat and your symptoms will allow you to find the triggers of your IBS symptoms. Also take note of 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.
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