What is Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects the digestive system, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhoea, or constipation. The exact cause of IBS is not clear, but it may be triggered by factors such as diet, stress, infection, or medicines. IBS does not cause lasting damage to the intestines or increase the risk of bowel cancer, but it can affect the quality of life and mental health of people who have it.
Some of the possible complications of IBS include:
- Poor nutrition and weight loss due to food intolerance, malabsorption, or reduced appetite.
- Haemorrhoids due to straining during bowel movements or frequent diarrhoea.
- Anxiety and depression due to the impact of symptoms on daily activities, social interactions, and self-esteem.
- Reduced work productivity and increased absenteeism due to the need for frequent bathroom breaks, medical appointments, or sick leave.
The economic costs of IBS are substantial, as it affects a large proportion of the population and requires frequent use of health care resources and medications. According to economists, the total annual costs of IBS in the United States range from $1.7 to $10 billion in direct medical costs, and up to $20 billion in indirect costs, such as lost productivity and reduced quality of life. In Australia, the estimated annual cost of IBS is $1.5 billion, including $0.7 billion in direct costs and $0.8 billion in indirect costs.
Current management of IBS
The management of IBS should be individualised to the person’s symptoms and psychosocial situation, and may include offering drug treatment and behavioural interventions, if symptoms persist despite initial dietary and lifestyle advice.
Some of the common management strategies are:
- Dietary modification, such as reducing the intake of foods that trigger symptoms, increasing the intake of fibre and fluids, and following a low-FODMAP diet (a diet that restricts certain carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed and fermented by gut bacteria).
- Medication, such as antidiarrheals, laxatives, antispasmodics, antidepressants, or probiotics, depending on the predominant symptom and the response to treatment.
- Psychological therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, hypnotherapy, or mindfulness-based therapy, to help cope with stress, anxiety, and negative emotions that may worsen IBS symptoms.
- Physical and behavioural therapies, such as exercise, yoga, acupuncture, or biofeedback, to improve physical and mental well-being, and to modulate the brain-gut interaction that is involved in IBS.
Join us for a new study on IBS treatment!
We are currently recruiting participants for a study to evaluate a novel potential treatment for IBS patients.
Contact AusTrials on 1300 190 841 or email us at info@austrials.com.au to find out more.