Did you know April is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Awareness Month? This very worthwhile initiative aims to educate, inform and remove the stigma around this often misunderstood disorder. IBS is an extremely common condition that is thought to affect around 10-20% of people living in the UK. It refers to a collection of different symptoms that affect the digestive system. These include stomach cramps, bloating, abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhoea.
IBS is a chronic condition that needs long-term management, as it’s usually a lifelong issue. There is no one precise cause – and no magic cure. Unfortunately, due to the delicate nature of their symptoms, many sufferers feel embarrassed or ashamed. This means that they find it difficult to discuss their condition, and don’t always seek help promptly. However, IBS Awareness month aims to address this.