Happy IBS Awareness Month!

Happy IBS Awareness Month!

The prevalence is estimated to be between 10% and 15%. Despite this, many people go undiagnosed and often don’t realize that their symptoms point to a medically recognized condition. Let's celebrate all month by creating awareness of IBS!

What is IBS?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. Signs and symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both. IBS is a chronic condition that you'll need to manage long term.

What are the Symptoms?

• Abdominal pain, cramping or bloating that is related to passing a bowel movement.

• Changes in appearance of bowel movements.⁠

• Changes in how often you are having bowel movements.⁠

Signs

• Weight loss⁠

• Diarrhea at night⁠

• Rectal bleeding

• Iron deficiency anemia⁠

• Unexplained vomiting⁠

• Difficulty swallowing⁠

• Persistent pain that isn’t relieved by passing gas or a bowel movement.⁠ ⁠

Causes

• Muscle contractions in the intestine - Contractions that are stronger and last longer than normal can cause gas, bloating and diarrhea.

• Nervous System- Abnormalities in the nerves in your digestive system may cause you to experience greater than normal discomfort when your abdomen stretches from gas or stool.

• Severe Infection- IBS can develop after a severe bout of diarrhea caused by bacteria or a virus.⁠

• Early life stress - People exposed to stressful events, especially in childhood, tend to have more symptoms of IBS.

• Changes in gut microbes- examples include changes in bacteria, fungi and viruses, which normally reside in the intestines and play a key role in health.

Spread Kindness, spread awareness this IBS Awareness Month with Nerbugs Stomach Organ Plushie