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| |  Millions Suffer From Irritable Bowel Syndrome, But Most Never Heard Of It MILWAUKEE, WI -- April 29, 1997 -- It's been cited as the second leading cause of worker absenteeism (second only to the common cold), causing serious discomfort for as many as 35 million Americans -- and for their employers. Yet a new nationwide survey on illness-related absenteeism has found that only 40.1 percent of employees -- and only 47.3 percent of human resource managers -- have ever heard of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS. The survey, conducted for the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD), also found that fewer than one in 20 employees or managers make a connection between IBS symptoms and the reasons why they miss work. "For millions of Americans, IBS is serious enough to interfere with their careers, their social lives and their families," said Dr. Douglas A. Drossman of the University of North Carolina, a leading expert on IBS and a member of the IFFGD's advisory board. "But because most of us find it difficult to talk about, lots of people have never heard of IBS, much less sought the help that is readily available. IBS really is 'America's hidden health problem.'" Although nearly half the survey's respondents reported that they provide specifics about their illness when calling in sick, almost 40 percent said they would be uncomfortable describing IBS symptoms. What is IBS? "The term 'irritable bowel syndrome' is used to describe a group of symptoms that occur together," said Dr. Drossman. "These symptoms can include abdominal pain, bloating, distention of the abdomen, and constipation and diarrhea. Some people experience both constipation and diarrhea, just at different times. "As serious as these symptoms can be, patients are relieved to learn that IBS is not a life-threatening disorder, nor is it an indication of something more serious," Dr. Drossman said. "And it can often be treated very effectively with relatively simple interventions." IBS symptoms are often relieved by changes in diet -- reducing caffeine, alcohol, beans and fatty foods, for example, and increasing high-fiber foods. Use of dietary bran or bulk laxatives, such as Metamucil(R) with psyllium, may help relieve occasional constipation associated with IBS. Lifestyle changes, such as increased physical activity, also can help. To help inform the public about IBS, the foundation has launched the National IBS Initiative, a series of public education seminars in major cities around the country where local physicians present a patient-oriented discussion of IBS symptoms and management/treatment options. Seminars have been held in San Francisco and Chicago, and they are scheduled for Washington, D.C., Milwaukee, and Denver. The IFFGD is a nonprofit education and research organization that addresses the issues surrounding life with functional gastrointestinal disorders, especially IBS. Additional information about IBS, the foundation and the National IBS Initiative is available by calling 414-964-1799 or writing the IFFGD at P.O. Box 17864, Milwaukee, WI 53217.
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