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| A Ladies’ Home Journal Healthy Dose® Advertising Section |
More Information |
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| William Chey, M.D., AGAF, FACG, FACP |
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| Professor of Medicine |
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| Director, Gastrointestinal Physiology Laboratory |
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| Department of Internal Medicine |
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| University of Michigan Health System |
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UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN HEALTH SYSTEM |
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Excellence in patient care, medical education and research defines the University of Michigan Health System (UMHS). People come from around the world seeking care, resulting in 1.6 million outpatient visits, more than 43,000 admissions, 75,000 ER visits, 64,600 surgical cases and more than 3,800 babies delivered annually. UMHS is ranked among the top medical institutions and medical schools in the U.S. every year. |
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For more information about UMHS and its services, visit www.med.umich.edu. |
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Facts & Myths About IBS |
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William Chey, M.D., AGAF, FACG, FACP |
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 rritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is an often painful disorder of the lower intestine that causes cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhea. As a common disorder that affects 10 to 15 percent of the U.S. population, IBS is also one of the most misunderstood. Here are the facts behind some common myths about IBS:
Myth: It's all in your head.
Fact: While some patients with IBS do experience depression
and anxiety, these are not the primary causes of the disorder. However, psychological distress or stress may worsen IBS.
Myth: IBS only affects young women.
Fact: Although IBS does tend to occur more frequently in women, it also affects men and the elderly. Some evidence suggests that IBS affects 8 to 10 percent of the elderly population.
Myth: IBS is not an important condition.
Fact: Many physicians believe that IBS is not an important condition because it does not affect a person's lifespan. IBS should be taken seriously by doctors and patients alike because it can significantly impact a person's quality of life and ability to function on a day-to-day basis.
Myth: IBS is related to lactose intolerance.
Fact: About a quarter of patients with IBS are lactose intolerant, but about a quarter of the rest of the general population that does not have IBS is lactose intolerant as well. So while lactose intolerance may play a role in some patients, it is not the cause of the symptoms in the vast majority. |
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 Myth: Patients with IBS must eat bland food.
Fact: Most of the time, bland diets are unnecessary. Instead of cutting out your favorite foods right away, try keeping a food journal for two weeks and record your symptoms. This can identify your specific trigger foods. In general, patients with IBS avoid fatty foods, milk products, chocolate, alcohol, caffeine and carbonated drinks.
Myth: IBS cannot be accurately diagnosed.
Fact: Most patients do not need a lot of medical tests to be diagnosed with IBS. Identifying the presence of persistent or recurrent abdominal pain in association with altered bowel habits is enough to accurately diagnose IBS in most patients.
Myth: There are no good treatment options for IBS.
Fact: With effective counseling, and dietary and lifestyle intervention, as well as use of over-the-counter or prescription medications, IBS can be effectively managed in the vast majority of patients. If symptoms are persistent, however, it's important to see your physician. • |
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