It’s Worth The Risk To Get Relief (NAPSA)—The risks that pa- tients with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) are willing to face to get relief from their symptoms demon- strate just how eager they are for new andeffective treatments. In fact, about 8 percent of patients with IBS say they are willing to accept a one in 100 chance of death if offered a med- ication that would give them total relief of symptoms, according to a study by the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) in collaboration with the University of North Carolina (UNC) Center for Functional Gl and Motility Disorders. The respondents report an average of 73 days in a calendar year when they need to restrict their usual activities due to health problems. Most were employed, although 13 percent were jobless A recent study found that only a small percentage of patients with IBS are satisfied with available treatments. perately people are seeking free- duces a far greater burden on those afflicted than has generally because of their health situation. “These results show how des- dom from their IBS symptoms,” been recognized. director of the UNC Center for for more effective treatments,” said Dr. Douglas A. Drossman,co- Functional GI and Motility Disor- ders and a memberof the IFFGD’s “This study also shows the need said Nancy J. Norton, president and founder of IFFGD. Only 8 per- medical advisory board. Nearly 2,000 people who previously had very or extremely satisfied with pated in the online study, which third were not at all satisfied. second half of 2007. terized by abdominal pain asso- IBS severe, the factors cited most often were pain, bowel difficulties, frequent bowel movements or been diagnosed with IBS partici- was conducted beginning in the When asked what makestheir bloating, and limits on diet and eating. Eight in 10 of the respondents reported continuous or frequent abdominal pain. Almost one in five participants was being prescribed narcotic medication for pain, demonstrating that IBS pro- cent of the total respondents were available IBS treatments; one- IBS is a chronic illness charac- ciated with a change in bowelpattern, such as loose or more diarrhea, and/or hard orless frequent bowel movements or constipation. It affects approximately 10-20 percent of the general global population. A complete overview of study findings is available at www. aboutIBS.org/needs-survey.
