IBS Patients Suffer for Several Years with Severe Symptoms before Receiving Diagnosis

11/8/2002

MILWAUKEE, WI., Nov. 8 -- Most people with symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) go for several years without it being diagnosed as a treatable medical condition, according to the results of a recent survey conducted by the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD). According to the survey, IBS patients suffer from severe symptoms related to their condition, and although many take medications, few obtain relief.

IBS affects nearly 45 million people in America, or 15 percent of the population. The disease is characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort and altered bowel habit. The survey was presented to 350 IBS patients from around the United States between February and March of 2002. On average, participants reported that they go more than three years from onset to diagnosis, and see several healthcare professionals before the condition is correctly identified.

"IBS is all too often misdiagnosed and ignored because symptoms vary on an individual level," said IFFGD Founder and President Nancy Norton. "But it is very common in the United States, especially among women, so patients and doctors need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease."

According to the survey:

-- Nearly half of research participants reported suffering five or more years with symptoms before a diagnosis of IBS was made.

-- Participants live with IBS for many years-almost half reported being diagnosed over 10 years ago, and 65 percent have been living with it for at least five years.

-- Nearly 45 percent of study participants noted severe symptoms, with another 40 percent reporting moderate pain.

-- Respondents reported the use of 281 different treatments, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medications as well as herbal and dietary supplements to control their symptoms.

-- Patients described IBS symptoms as seriously impacting their daily lives-more than one quarter of respondents said they missed work or school due to their condition.

-- Of the sample, 71 percent reported two or more episodes of IBS per week, and nearly half reported daily events.

"The results of the survey demonstrate how important it is to expand research in this area to develop therapies to help IBS sufferers," said Norton. "This disease is one of the leading causes of absenteeism from work, and one of the most common disorders seen by gastroenterologists."

IFFGD recommends medical evaluation for people who experience ongoing or recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort associated with a change in bowel habit. Only a medical professional can diagnose IBS.

------ IFFGD is a nonprofit education and research organization whose mission it is to inform, assist and support those affected by gastrointestinal disorders. With an international group of experts from multiple disciplines who serve on the organization's medical advisory board, the IFFGD is a resource for anyone seeking current information about gastrointestinal disorders for both adults and children. For more information, please call 888-964-2001 or visit www.iffgd.org. If you would like a copy of the survey or would like to speak with an IFFGD representative, please contact Kellie Hanzak at 202-955-6222 or email at khanzak@spectrumscience.com.