Dealing With Digestive Disorders (NAPSA)—There could be good newsfor the millions of people liv- ing with the symptomsofirritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Help is available. The problem, according to a sur- vey conducted by the International Foundation for Functional Gas- trointestinal Disorders (IFFGD), is that less than one in five respon- dents who are symptomatic have been diagnosed with IBS. “Many people have heard of IBS, but they’re not sure whatit is. As a result, people may not realize the symptoms they’re experiencing add up to IBS,” said Nancy Norton, president and founder of IFFGD. Norton estab- lished IFFGD in 1991 to help improve care by enhancing awareness and education and promoting research into treat- ments and cures for gastrointestinal disorders. sometimes can help tremendously in alleviating symptoms.” Patients need to work closely with a doctor to find ways to reduce symptoms. Responseto treat- or discomfort is persistent and is ments varies considerably and needsto be individualized. Thereis no cure for IBS. It is a long-term habits, such as diarrhea or constipation. Bloating and feeling an to wax and wane and mayalso change over time. Assessinglife- There are many causes for abdominal pain, but in IBS the pain associated with a change in bowel urgent need to use a restroom also commonly occur. Symptoms may occur over a single long period or in several shorter bouts. Anyone with persistent digestive problems should consult a condition with symptomsthat tend style or dietary factors that may be contributing to symptoms and addressing these factors, if present, is generally tried first. When one person suffers with IBS, many others are affected, too. doctor or other medical professional, Norton advises. A doctor Knowledge, understanding and a supportive environment can help symptoms typical of the disorder and excluding other medical conditions that may have a similar symptoms. “There are no ‘easy fixes’ to IBS, and the disorder can be debil- will diagnose IBS by identifying clinical presentation. Personal embarrassment prohibits many people from taking this important step, however. “Many people are uncomfort- able talking about their bowels,” Norton said. “This is unfortunate because simple lifestyle changes persons with IBS to best manage itating. But an educated patient, working closely with a health care professional, usually can live a full life,” Nancy Norton said. For more information about IBS, visit www.aboutibs.org or call (888) 964-2001 (toll-free in the U.S.; elsewherecall 414-964-1799).
