Overview:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic common disorder that affects the large intestine (colon). It can cause cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation. It can also cause changes in the movement pattern of the intestinal cavity, and affect people of all ages. Its symptoms can vary from one person to another and is categorized as a gastrointestinal disorder. About 10-15% of the population have IBS; however, many of they remain undiagnosed and unaware that they have a medically-recognized disorder.
Facts:
- Relaxation exercises and reducing stress can help IBS patients.
- If your abdominal pain is affecting your sleep, you might want to improve your sleep hygiene. This may include lifestyle changes such as having a regular relaxation period before getting into bed, keeping a consistent wake-up time, using the bed only for sleep, avoiding caffeine for at least 4 hours before bed, or not staying in bed awake for longer than 20 minutes.
- If you suffer from constipation, be sure to have breakfast. This is the meal that is most likely to stimulate the colon and give you a bowel movement.
IBS Awareness Month goals:
- Bringing important health messages under the spot light regarding IBS diagnosis and treatment, and improving patients’ quality of life.
Official Date:
Globally: 1-30/4/2021
Locally: 19/8-18/9/1443AH
IBS Awareness Month Theme:
References:
Canadian Society of Intestinal Research