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New studies gauge knowledge, attitudes and preferences of patients with irritable bowel syndrome
October 31, 2005Significant percentage mistakenly believe IBS causes cancer
HONOLULU - Significant misconceptions about the causes of their condition and mistaken beliefs about its potential progression into other diseases, including cancer, marks the knowledge of a sample of patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in two recent studies by researchers at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire. Presented at the 70th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology, these studies echo findings presented at ACG by Dr. Albena Halpert of Boston Medical Center and colleagues at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on patient perceptions of IBS and their preferences about patient education.
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Study Finds Significant Concerns and Misconceptions
"IBS is one of the most common medical conditions, and our study reveals that a lot of people are facing a problem, they don't feel well, they have significant concerns, and they don't have enough information," said Brian E. Lacy, Ph.D., M.D., one of the investigators at Dartmouth-Hitchcock who conducted two separate analyses of 261 respondents to study questionnaires.
In one analysis, Dr. Lacy and his colleagues found that almost half (42.9 percent) of respondents believed that IBS develops due to food allergy or intolerance, while an even larger percentage (82 percent) reported that a change in their daily routine causes IBS. Significant misconceptions were identified regarding the natural history of IBS, with one-third of respondents believing that once IBS develops it will never resolve, and 16.7 percent expressing the belief that IBS will turn into cancer. Of these patients, 87 percent reported that IBS significantly affects their lives, with daily activities (40.1 percent), work life (19.3 percent) and social life (11.2 percent) being the most frequently affected.
In a related study of the same survey respondents, Dr. Lacy and his colleagues found that this sample of patients with IBS did not understand the causes of their condition. A large percentage cited dietary factors (80.7 percent), anxiety (87.9 percent), and depression (68.2) as the most frequent causes of IBS. IBS patients in this study believe that IBS increases the risk of colon cancer (21.5 percent) and increases the risk of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (30.5 percent). IBD is an inflammatory condition of the intestine that can result in bleeding, fever, elevation of the white blood cell count, as well as diarrhea and cramping abdominal pain. IBD includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
"This is the first study to assess IBS patients' knowledge regarding their disorder. Our findings highlight the need for effective educational programs for IBS patients," concluded Dr. Lacy.
National Survey on Patient Education in IBS
Albena Halpert, M.D. of Boston Medical Center and Douglas Drossman, M.D., FACG of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill developed and fielded a questionnaire to identify patients' perceptions about IBS, their preferences on the type of information they need, as well as educational media and expectations from health care providers. Responses from 200 patients with IBS revealed misperceptions about IBS developing into other conditions, including colitis, malnutrition and cancer. This survey found IBS patients were most interested in learning about foods to avoid (60 percent), causes of IBS (55 percent), medications (58 percent), coping strategies (56 percent), and psychological factors related to IBS (55 percent). The respondents indicated that they wanted their physician to be available via phone or e-mail following a visit (80 percent) and have the ability to listen (80 percent), provide hope (73 percent) and support (63 percent).
About Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IBS is a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder characterized by recurring symptoms of abdominal discomfort or pain associated with an altered bowel habit, either constipation, diarrhea, or both. More than 58 million people suffer from IBS, which affects more women (80%) than men. IBS is a real medical condition, but it is not life threatening, and will not lead to other serious diseases. In IBS, the GI tract may function differently, processing more slowly (or more quickly) than the average person. While the cause of this different "pace" of the GI tract in IBS is not known, and there is no cure, there are usually ways to help manage specific symptoms. Physicians now have more scientific knowledge and an improved range of treatment options that can provide relief for IBS sufferers. The American College of Gastroenterology has resources for patients with IBS online at www.ibsrelief.org and free educational materials are available by calling ACG's toll-free hotline 866-IBS-RELIEF.
American College of Gastroenterology
"IBS is one of the most common medical conditions, and our study reveals that a lot of people are facing a problem, they don't feel well, they have significant concerns, and they don't have enough information," said Brian E. Lacy, Ph.D., M.D., one of the investigators at Dartmouth-Hitchcock who conducted two separate analyses of 261 respondents to study questionnaires.
In one analysis, Dr. Lacy and his colleagues found that almost half (42.9 percent) of respondents believed that IBS develops due to food allergy or intolerance, while an even larger percentage (82 percent) reported that a change in their daily routine causes IBS. Significant misconceptions were identified regarding the natural history of IBS, with one-third of respondents believing that once IBS develops it will never resolve, and 16.7 percent expressing the belief that IBS will turn into cancer. Of these patients, 87 percent reported that IBS significantly affects their lives, with daily activities (40.1 percent), work life (19.3 percent) and social life (11.2 percent) being the most frequently affected.
In a related study of the same survey respondents, Dr. Lacy and his colleagues found that this sample of patients with IBS did not understand the causes of their condition. A large percentage cited dietary factors (80.7 percent), anxiety (87.9 percent), and depression (68.2) as the most frequent causes of IBS. IBS patients in this study believe that IBS increases the risk of colon cancer (21.5 percent) and increases the risk of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (30.5 percent). IBD is an inflammatory condition of the intestine that can result in bleeding, fever, elevation of the white blood cell count, as well as diarrhea and cramping abdominal pain. IBD includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
"This is the first study to assess IBS patients' knowledge regarding their disorder. Our findings highlight the need for effective educational programs for IBS patients," concluded Dr. Lacy.
National Survey on Patient Education in IBS
Albena Halpert, M.D. of Boston Medical Center and Douglas Drossman, M.D., FACG of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill developed and fielded a questionnaire to identify patients' perceptions about IBS, their preferences on the type of information they need, as well as educational media and expectations from health care providers. Responses from 200 patients with IBS revealed misperceptions about IBS developing into other conditions, including colitis, malnutrition and cancer. This survey found IBS patients were most interested in learning about foods to avoid (60 percent), causes of IBS (55 percent), medications (58 percent), coping strategies (56 percent), and psychological factors related to IBS (55 percent). The respondents indicated that they wanted their physician to be available via phone or e-mail following a visit (80 percent) and have the ability to listen (80 percent), provide hope (73 percent) and support (63 percent).
About Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IBS is a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder characterized by recurring symptoms of abdominal discomfort or pain associated with an altered bowel habit, either constipation, diarrhea, or both. More than 58 million people suffer from IBS, which affects more women (80%) than men. IBS is a real medical condition, but it is not life threatening, and will not lead to other serious diseases. In IBS, the GI tract may function differently, processing more slowly (or more quickly) than the average person. While the cause of this different "pace" of the GI tract in IBS is not known, and there is no cure, there are usually ways to help manage specific symptoms. Physicians now have more scientific knowledge and an improved range of treatment options that can provide relief for IBS sufferers. The American College of Gastroenterology has resources for patients with IBS online at www.ibsrelief.org and free educational materials are available by calling ACG's toll-free hotline 866-IBS-RELIEF.
American College of Gastroenterology
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Current Events and Irritable Bowel Syndrome News RSSAntidepressant and placebo are equally effective in child pain relief
When used "off-label," the antidepressant amitriptyline works just as well as placebo in treating pain-predominant gastrointestinal disorders in children, according to a new study in Gastroenterology, the official journal of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute.
What is alternative treatment for irritable bowel syndrome when conventional therapy has failed?
IBS remains a common intestinal disorder causing significant discomfort and poor quality of life in patients who have the diagnosis.
Pinpointing cause of colic: UT Houston research identifies organism that could trigger constant crying
Researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston say one organism discovered during their study may unlock the key to what causes colic, inconsolable crying in an otherwise healthy baby.
Mayo Clinic study finds celiac disease 4 times more common than in 1950s
Celiac disease, an immune system reaction to gluten in the diet, is over four times more common today than it was 50 years ago, according to findings of a Mayo Clinic study published this month in the journal Gastroenterology.
Review of probiotic trial research finds only Bifantis able to claim efficacy for IBS symptoms
A review by researchers at Northwestern University (Chicago, IL.) and University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI) of the utility of probiotics in the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) found that Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 was the only probiotic strain out of 13 different individual strains or preparations reviewed to significantly improve symptoms of IBS, including abdominal pain, bloating and bowel movement difficulty.
New studies examine the effectiveness of probiotics in IBS
Several studies presented at the American College of Gastroenterology's 73rd Annual Scientific Meeting in Orlando highlight the safety and efficacy of probiotics in improving symptoms and normalizing bowel movement frequency in patients suffering from constipation or diarrhea related to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
New study shows health benefits of probiotic could extend to the entire body
Data from a recent study demonstrate the anti-inflammatory and pathogen protection benefits of Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 a probiotic bacterial strain of human origin.
UT School of Public Health researchers discover significant efficacy of travelers' diarrhea vaccine
Researchers at The University of Texas School of Public Health have found that patients given a travelers' diarrhea vaccine were significantly less likely to suffer from clinically significant diarrhea than those who received placebo, according to a study published in this week's edition of the Lancet. The patch-based vaccine is part of the Phase 2 study in conjunction with the Iomai Corporation.
Common bowel problem linked to chili pepper pain receptor
People with irritable bowel syndrome have a higher than usual number of chilli pepper pain receptors, according to a new study published tomorrow (Wednesday 11 June).
Drug brings relief for many IBS patients who experience constipation
Many patients may soon find relief from the bloating, cramping, abdominal pain and constipation associated with irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS.
More Irritable Bowel Syndrome Current Events and Irritable Bowel Syndrome News Articles
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The First Year: IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)--An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed by Heather Van Vorous (Author), David B. Posner (Foreword) Heather Van Vorous has had IBS for over two decades; she endured the condition for six years as a child before even being diagnosed. Over many years she has educated herself on every aspect of this chronic condition—by listening to her own body, gradually modifying her diet, reading medical and scientific books and journals, talking with doctors, exploring stress management and alternative health therapies, and using the Internet to communicate daily with other people who have IBS. Now, as a "patient-expert," she guides all those newly diagnosed step-by-step through their first year with IBS. In a unique format, The First Year™—IBS walks you through everything you need to learn and do each day of your first week after diagnosis, each subsequent week of the first month, and the... |
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Natural Approach by Rosemary Nicol (Author), M.D. William John Snape Jr. (Foreword) Clearly written with easy-to-understand explanations, this book presents natural solutions for living comfortably with this common ailment. It maintains that thoroughly addressing the causes of IBS—diet and stress—can effectively relieve symptoms without resorting to medication. The authors offer creative dietary alternatives and recipes as well as proven methods for controlling stress—including meditation, yoga, and relaxation exercises. |
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The Irritable Bowel Syndrome Solution: How It's Cured at the IBS Treatment Center by Stephen Wangen (Author) This is the authoritative resource on IBS. If you have IBS, constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, indigestion, or chronic abdominal pain, there is a logical reason for your suffering. Written by Dr. Stephen Wangen, the founder and Chief Medical Officer of the IBS Treatment Center, this book explains how your symptoms can be cured. You do not need to eat more fiber, take medications or supplements for the rest of your life, or wonder if you are too stressed. You can actually live you life completely free of IBS. In this book you will discover: · What actually causes IBS. · How to find the cause of your IBS symptoms. · Why most IBS treatments don’t address the causes of IBS. · How to treat IBS once you’ve found the cause. · Where to go for help. · How... |
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Digestive Advantage IBS - Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Capsules, 96-Count by Digestive Advantage Digestive Advantage IBS is for the dietary management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It is formulated to manage the full range of irritable bowel syndrome symptoms including diarrhea, constipation, bloating, cramps, and urgency. This unique formulation helps Digestive Advantage IBS normalize the gut and support a normal diet. Digestive Advantage IBS is a caplet taken once per day and provides 24-hour relief to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms. The power behind Digestive Advantage IBS is a patented blend of lactobacillus cultures with an amino acid which facillitates digestion of dairy, fruits, meats, and carbohydrates. Digestive Advantage IBS is unique because it helps to relieve both ends of the IBS spectrum: Diarrhea and Constipation. |
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Dynamic Diet: A Dietary Guide And Workbook For Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome by Ashkan Farhadi (Author), Kelly Wyckoff (Author) How to create your diet to manage your IBS. This handout and work book is designed to improve your overall knowledge about various aspects of your diet in Irritable Bowel Syndrome and to help you explore your dietary choices to build your own diet that best suits your condition. This common sense approach could be one of the most useful and least restrictive diet modifications you may select to manage your IBS. |
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Eating for IBS: 175 Delicious, Nutritious, Low-Fat, Low-Residue Recipes to Stabilize the Touchiest Tummy by Heather Van Vorous (Author) If you are one of the millions of people suffering from IBS, immediate help is finally at hand. Contrary to what many believe, eating for IBS does not mean deprivation, never going to restaurants, boring food, or a limited and therefore unhealthy diet. It does mean learning to eat safely by realizing how different foods physically affect the GI tract, and how these foods can prevent or trigger IBS. For example: * There are two kinds of fiber...one soothes the colon but the other can cause severe attacks * Dairy is a common trigger...even in people who are not lactose intolerant * Peppermint, chamomile, and fennel can prevent attacks better than some prescription drugs * Bland foods are not automatically safe foods In Eating for IBS, Heather Van Vorous, who... |
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I Have IBS...Now What?!!! A Comprehensive Guide for Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome by Ashkan Farhadi (Author) The book, I Have IBS, Now What?!!! was written by Dr. Ashkan Farhadi, a leading gastroenterologist based in Chicago. Dr. Farhadi wrote this book as a resource for patients who were diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). This new edition features the most up-to-date information on IBS including new advances in the field. This book compiles real patient questions posed to Dr. Farhadi over years of practice into a first rate guide for patients with IBS and also include the opinion of a group of experts in the field of gastroenterology with a special attention to the psychological and nutritional aspects of this common disorder. |
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome & the MindBodySpirit Connection: 7 Steps for Living a Healthy Life with a Functional Bowel Disorder, Crohn's Disease, or Colitis (Mind-Body-Spirit Connection Series.) by William B. Salt II MD (Author), Neil F. Neimark MD (Author) Fast Facts on IBS: One in five people suffers from the frustrating symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). There is no simple answer--no pill, potion, or quick fix--that will cure IBS. But help is available. By understanding what causes IBS and by integrating mind, body, and spirit into the treatment plan, readers can achieve health and wellness. They can move from pain to peace, from helplessness to hopefulness, and from frustration to freedom. Tap into the Body's Powerful Ability to Heal: The interrelationships between mind, body, and spirit are the forces that shape many health issues, especially for those suffering painful symptoms for which medical science does not find a discernible cause. IBS problems are painful and embarrassing, yet medical tests often find nothing abnormal.... |
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Tell Me What to Eat If I Have Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Nutrition You Can Live With by Elaine Magee (Author), Christine L., Dr., M.D. Frissora (Foreword) Irritable Bowel Syndrome is one of the most common reasons for a visit to the doctor in the United States, Europe, and other parts of the Western world. Even so, the majority of patients who have IBS do not seek medical care, which may be because of fear, embarrassment, or the lack of effective treatments. IBS affects both genders and all races. Recent data shows that 14 to 24 percent of women and 5 to 19 percent of men in the United States and Great Britain have IBS. If you have IBS, you are undoubtedly familiar with the link between your condition, your comfort, and what you eat or drink. Elaine Magee gives you positive advice about what foods you should eat almost every day, and whether you suffer from IBS constipation, IBS diarrhea predominant, or the type of IBS that... |
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Heather's Tummy Fiber POUCH ~ Organic Acacia Senegal 16 oz. for Irritable Bowel Syndrome by Heather's Tummy Care Heather's Tummy Fiber™ ~ Organic Acacia is a medical food for the dietary management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms. Acacia is a natural, pure, organic, soluble dietary fiber produced from the gum of the Acacia tree. Clinical studies have shown that soluble fiber, as part of the diet: helps soothe and regulate bowel motility; relieves IBS abdominal pain and cramping by stabilizing intestinal contractions; alleviates BOTH diarrhea and constipation. Heather's Tummy Fiber™ also: increases good gut flora - it's considered a prebiotic; has excellent gastrointestinal tolerance; and slows down colonic fermentation, which in turn decreases gas and bloating. Heather's Tummy Fiber™ is completely safe and healthy for daily, lifelong use, is safe for use in children, and has no GI... |
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