Irritable bowel syndrome is observed every year in April. What is IBS and why is it necessary to spread awareness about it? IBS is a syndrome that affects the large intestine and is quite common around the world. Although it is considered a taboo subject by some people, IBS affects 25 to 45 million Americans. Learn all the ways to get involved in IBS month’s activities and how to deal with an irritable bowel.
History of IBS Month
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a lifelong, gastrointestinal disorder, which affects the large intestine in our body. IBS is a chronic disease related to the large intestine, it is found to be more common in women than men. It mostly affects people who are 45 years of age or younger. The cause of this syndrome is still unknown.
People who suffer from IBS are likely to have abdominal pains, bloating, cramping, diarrhea, gas, and constipation. However, this disease does not increase the chances of colorectal cancer. Irritable bowel syndrome has confused doctors for a century. This syndrome was first known as “Mucous colitis” by Osler. Later on, this condition was diagnosed by Hurst. Another term was used to describe it called “irritable colon” which has the same meaning as that to IBS.
IFFGD (International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders) declared April as the awareness month for IBS in 1997. In this month more attention is given to the importance of health and awareness of IBS diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life issues. It is known that 15% of people have IBS, out of which 20% people seek medical treatment. Symptoms of IBS can occur early in life and some patients have symptoms as soon as they reach 30 years.
IBS Month timeline
Osler declares that colonic epithelium is a normal condition and most patients suffer from depression and abdominal pain.
“Irritable colon” is published in a research paper by Jordan and Kiefer.
Hurst recognizes another disease but there is no record found for it.
IFFGD declares April as the month of spreading awareness for IBS.
IBS Month FAQs
How do you know you have IBS?
Some of the major symptoms of IBS include stomach pain, bloating, and diarrhea.
Which food triggers IBS?
The foods that trigger IBS are bread, cereals, carbonated drinks, alcohol, processed food, and dairy products.
How do you fix IBS?
IBS can be reduced if you take in some fiber, cut out all the IBS triggering food items from your diet, and exercise regularly.
How to Observe IBS month
Eat home-cooked food
It is highly recommended to include organic and homemade food in your diet, fresh food is a great way to save yourself from this disorder, so make sure to eat a majority of fresh food this month.
Exercise daily and encourage others
In this month go for walks and jogs. Try to choose any favorite activity and encourage others to join you too. An increased heart rate decreases intestinal issues.
Spread awareness about IBS on social media
Use the power of social media and spread awareness of IBS through it. Use hashtags with your posts like #IBSmonth or #IrritableBowelSyndromeMonth.
5 Informative Facts About Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Many are affected in the U.S.
25 to 45 million people in the U.S are affected by IBS.
It’s universal
It is estimated that 10%-15% of the population of the world has IBS.
It targets the young too
The age of most of the people suffering from IBS is under 50 years old.
It’s a mystery
The exact reason for IBS is not known.
Being calm won’t cure it
IBS is not caused by stress.
Why We Observe IBS Month
To create awareness
On this day we find many ways to make people aware of IBS so that more research is done on it, and more advanced treatments are discovered to deal with it.
Encourage people to eat healthily
We want people to consume healthy and fresh food, to avoid having intestinal issues.
People suffering from IBS get treated
Most of the people suffering from IBS do not seek medical advice, hence if people are more aware of it then they would go to the doctors and get medically treated for it.
IBS Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | April 1 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | April 1 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | April 1 | Thursday |
| 2028 | April 1 | Saturday |
| 2029 | April 1 | Sunday |
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