Editor’s Note - April 2015
By nature of its symptoms, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) isn’t a topic that gets a lot of play in conversations outside the medical setting. During April’s IBS Awareness Month, however, healthcare professionals hope to focus attention on important health messages about IBS diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life issues. And, to reduce the stigma associated with IBS by encouraging people to talk more openly about this condition that affects more than 30 million people in the United States.
The International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) estimates that worldwide prevalence rates of IBS range from 9% to 23% and US rates between 10% to 15%, with females accounting for 2 out of every 3 cases.1 The most common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) include abdominal pain or discomfort, changes in frequency of bowel movements and appearance of stools—details that most people are hesitant to discuss.
Two effective means of helping patients manage their symptoms, are diet and probiotics. December’s issue highlighted the use of probiotics in treating GI disorders (“Probiotics: What Clinicians Need to Know,” also available online at Consultant360.com) The author recommends 1 capsule daily for patients seeking to relieve IBS symptoms.2
Later this month, Consultant360 will also feature guideline-based therapies for treating IBS.
Sincerely,
Pooja Shah
Managing Editor, Consultant and Consultant360
References:
1. About Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) Web site. Updated April 2, 2015. Accessed April 4, 2015.
2. Sandal C. Probiotics: what clinicians need to know. Consultant. 2014;54(12):900-902.