|
Belleville, NJ—Affecting 10-20% of the population,
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is the most commonly diagnosed
gastrointestinal disorder in the United States. The International
Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD)
has designated April as Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month
in order to bring more attention to the symptoms and difficulties
associated with the disorder.
IBS is primarily characterized by symptoms of abdominal discomfort
or pain, usually in the lower abdomen, and altered bowel habit–chronic
or recurrent diarrhea, constipation, or both–either mixed
or in alternation. Other symptoms that people report include
heartburn, an early feeling of fullness, nausea, abdominal fullness,
bloating and a feeling of “incomplete” bowel emptying.
“Many people do not feel comfortable talking about IBS
because of the type of symptoms they experience,” said
Harry Friedland, M.D., Chairman of the Endoscopy Committee, CMMC. “IBS
Awareness Month is a great way to make the disorder easier to
talk about with family and close friends. It also allows those
suffering to seek treatment from healthcare professionals instead
of trying to just cope with it on their own.”
Treatments for IBS include keeping a diary to see what triggers
the symptoms, stress management, relaxation techniques, a change
in diet and/or drug therapy.
IBS is generally classified as a "functional" disorder,
which means that the problem lies in the functioning of the body’s
normal activities in terms of the movement of the intestines,
the sensitivity of the nerves of the intestines, or the way in
which the brain controls some of these functions is impaired.
However, there are no structural abnormalities that can be seen
by endoscopy, x-ray, or blood tests.
There is no known cause of IBS. Diagnosis involves identifying
certain symptoms consistent with the disorder and excluding other
medical conditions that may have a similar clinical presentation.
For more information about Clara Maass Medical Center services,
please call 1.888.SBHS.123, or visit www.saintbarnabas.com.
Clara Maass Medical Center, an affiliate of the Saint Barnabas Health Care System, provides a complete continuum of care to residents of northern New Jersey.
Clara Maass Centers of medical excellence include the Women’s
Health Center, Nuclear Medicine, the Cancer Center at Clara
Maass, Diagnostic Cardiac Services including Cardiac Catheterization,
Emergency Angioplasty and Rehabilitation, The Pain Management
Center, The Joint and Spine Institute, a Vascular Center, Same
Day Surgery, The Clara Maass Wound Center, The Center for Sleep
Disorders, Rehabilitation Services, Maternity Services and
Parent Education, as well as Pediatrics. For a physician referral
or more information about Clara Maass, call 1-888-SBHS-123
or visit www.saintbarnabas.com.
Date: April 22, 2009
CONTACT:
Cathy Toscano
July 10, 2008
(973) 450-2996
ctoscano@sbhcs.com
[ back to news menu ] [ top ] |
|
|
