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A5 brochure ibs_eng
- 2. 2 A common condition3-4 Who suffers from IBS? 5 What are the symptoms? 6 What causes IBS? 9 IBS patients may have a more sensitive colon than other people 10 What steps can you take to relieve your symptoms? 10-11 IBS management tips 12 Developing an effective partnership with your doctor 13-14 A GUIDE TO CONTROLLING Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- 3. 3 Living with theabdominal pain/ discomfort, bloating, and constipation and/ or diarrhea (IBS) a common conditionIf you suffer from IBS, you are not alone. Between 5 to 20% of the population suffer from abdominal pain, discomfort, and irregular bowel movements. If you’re like many sufferers, you have already developed your own ways of coping with the pain and discomfort. Many sufferers change their work schedule and their diets, avoid specific foods, and choose not to visit places where it’s inconvenient to go to the bathroom. These efforts may help, but unfortunately they don’t provide much relief.
- 4. 4 you’re not alone... Andwhile our understanding of this common—yet often disrup- tive—condition grows every day, a cure for IBS has yet to be found. The good news is that there are measures you can take to ease the painful symptoms. By changing your diet, finding ways to balance the stress in your life, and if necessary, taking medication, many people can reduce the impact that IBS has on their lives. This brochure will answer some common questions about IBS and highlight some management tips. By broadening your understand- ing, you can work together with your medical professional to start controlling abdominal pain/ discomfort, bloating, and bowel irregu- larity so you can get back to enjoying everyday life.
- 5. 5 IBS affects peoplefrom all walks of life IBS can be painful and frustrating, but it doesn’t increase your chances of getting cancer, and it doesn’t cause any serious long-term harm to your digestive system. IBS Q & A If you suffer from the abdominal pain/discomfort, bloating, and irregularity of IBS, you are not alone. Some experts estimate that as many as 20% of the US population suffer from the chronic condition. IBS affects both younger and older patients, but people usually have symptoms before age 35. who suffers
- 6. 6 what are the symptoms Mostpeople with IBS have abdominal pain and discomfort. Some people have pain mixed with constipation and bloating. Others have pain mixed with constipation, diarrhea, or alternating patterns between the two. People commonly experience a variety of symptoms, including abdominal pain, discomfort, diarrhea, and constipation. Sufferers with alternating or mixed IBS may not have a bowel movement for several days and then may experience diarrhea for a day. Those who suffer from constipation may feel as if they are straining in order to pass stool or they pass hard/lumpy stool. Other common signs of IBS can include attacks of severe abdominal pain, feeling as if you haven’t com- pletely emptied your bowels, and passage of mucus in the stool. Many patients also experience anxiety and stress as a result of the irregularity and unpredictability of abdominal pain and/or altered bowel function.
- 7. 7 “I hate togo to the movies and eat at restaurants. I never know when I’m going to have an attack of severe abdominal pain.”
- 8. 8 “Sometimes the painis so bad I can’t go to work. I often have to cancel plans because my symptoms start acting up.”
- 9. 9 what causes IBSUnfortunately,the exact causes of IBS are still not known, although research is being done to gain a better understanding of the condition. IBS is considered a functional disorder rather than an anatomic disorder. This means that when physicians examine the colon, there is no physical sign of disease, such as a tumor or damaged tissue. Because there is no clear physical sign of a problem, IBS is more difficult to diagnose. Your physician will make the diagnosis based on such key symptoms as abdominal pain, discomfort, diarrhea, and constipation. Your physician may also choose to run tests to exclude other, potentially more serious disorders. IBS is considered a functional disorder. Functional disorder: 1. A disorder with no known physical or structural problem to explain the symptoms. 2. A disorder relating to function. Other examples of functional disorders: GERD (gastroe- sophageal reflux disorder) and dyspepsia.
- 10. 10 eliminate stress IBS patientsmay have a more sensitive colon than other people It has also been discovered that the colon of a person with IBS may be very sensitive, causing them to have a stronger reaction to movements in their digestive tract. This sensitivity could cause pain, bloating, and constipation and/or diar- rhea. what steps can you take to relieve your symptoms? You may be able to reduce the burden of your symptoms by making some basic lifestyle changes, namely changing your diet, starting and sticking to an exer- cise program, and finding ways to effectively deal with the stress in your life (eg, yoga or exercise).
- 11. 11 enjoy a healthy diet Alcoholmay make your IBS worse, so its use should be limited. You should also try to avoid using laxatives and antidiarrheals too frequently. Adding more fiber to your diet can also be helpful. However, this should be done gradually to avoid the bloating and discomfort that fiber can often cause. You may also want to stay away from carbonated beverages, large and/or heavy meals, artificial sweeteners, chewing gum and candy containing sorbitol, and foods high in fat. Communicating with your physician on a regular basis is also a good idea. Together you can determine whether or not your treatment approach is working as well as it can and what you can do to enhance the results. If lifestyle changes do not help, your doctor can advise you about treatments that may help ease your symptoms of abdominal pain, discomfort, and constipation and/or diarrhea.
- 12. 12 Do Eat a balanceddiet Gradually add fiber to your diet Exercise Relax Learn how to effectively manage the stress in your life Don't Eat large and/or heavy meals Eat fatty foods Consume alcohol and caffeine to excess Chew gum or eat candy containing sorbitol Drink carbonated beverages Use artificial sweeteners IBS management tips
- 13. 13 Developing an effectivepartnership with your doctor Effectively managing IBS requires a positive working relationship between you and your doctor. When visiting your doctor, it’s a good idea to have your questions and concerns written down so that you don’t forget anything. Some typical questions your doctor may ask are listed below. By completing this card, bringing it to your next visit, and sharing this information with your doctor, you’ll be able to make the most of your time together. 1. What specific symptoms are you suffering from? 2. How long have you been suffering from these symptoms? 3. Does having a bowel movement relieve your abdominal pain? 4. How many bowel movements have you had this week and what was their consistency (ie, hard, lumpy, loose, watery)? 5. Do your symptoms get worse after eating certain foods? If so, which foods? 6. Are you currently taking fiber supplements? 7. How much dietary fiber do you eat per day? (Some examples of foods high in dietary fiber are fruits, vegetables, fiber cereals, and bran muffins.) 8. Does fiber help relieve your symptoms? 9. How much water do you drink per day? 10. How often do you exercise? 11. How effectively do you manage stress? 12. What medications are you currently taking?
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- 16. This service hasbeen provided by: Novartis Pharma Services Inc. Scientific Office - P.O.Box 11-3448 Beirut, Lebanon Tel.: 01 371566 If these symptoms sound familiar, seek the advice of your doctor as soon as possible... a new medication might be suitable for you ZELPBENG0604ME+Ae