SCIENCE OF IBS
IBS is a complex and disruptive cluster of symptoms
In exchange for 1 month of relief from IBS, patients would give up the following for a month:1*
MORE THAN 50% WOULD give up caffeine
24.5% would give up cell phones
21.5% would give up the internet
Recurrent IBS symptoms create a Variety of issues
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) disrupts many aspects of patient’s lives, including social and intimate relationships. IBS sufferers feel frustrated, self-conscious, embarrassed, and fed up with their symptoms amongst other emotions.2
IBS is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. Symptoms negatively impact sufferers and may be unpredictable day to day.3 IBS subtypes include IBS with constipation (IBS-C), IBS mixed bowel habits (IBS-M), and IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D).2
PHYSICAL IMPACT OF IBS2*
The symptoms of IBS are often so bothersome and unpredictable that they interfere with daily life at home, work, and school, and many people suffer for years before seeing a doctor. According to an AGA survey, the average IBS sufferer has 9 days of reduced productivity, 2 days of missed school or work, and 8 days of changed personal plans each month.
>50% of IBS SUFFERERS report that symptoms interfere with their quality of life
Majority of IBS patients
experience symptoms nearly every day
1/3 of IBS sufferers avoid situations where there is no nearby bathroom
DESPITE THE DIFFICULTIES, PATIENTS DELAY HCP CONSULT2*
Many patients put off seeking medical treatment for their symptoms despite the pain, frustration, and embarrassment. For 61% of patients, a typical first response to symptoms is to hope they go away by themselves. 8 in 10 patients have talked with family and friends, in addition to a doctor, about their symptoms.
SYMPTOMS BEGIN
~75%
of those with IBS symptoms will self-medicate with OTC products
27%
of IBS sufferers reported using OTC treatment for 1 to 5 years before discussing symptoms with a physician
TALKING TO AN HCP
Downloadable Resources for You and Your Patients
An open dialogue focused on understanding the patient’s most bothersome symptoms may help reduce treatment delays and improve treatment expectations. The resources here are designed to help start the conversation and help with patient education and treatment management.
It’s sometimes hard not to be close to a bathroom. I’ve had to wear protective underwear. So that’s kind of embarrassing for myself.4
IBS doesn’t have an end, not really. It’s always there, lingering over your shoulder, awaiting the next opportunity to pounce.5
I had severe stomach cramps and was in pain all the time … It went on for months and months.6