Why we need to speak about IBS?

Sylvain Bonnet Garcia

Global Vice President & General Manager | Business Unit Head | Global Category Head | Vice President Marketing | Allergy | Digestive Wellness | Vitamins | OTC | Consumer Health | FMCG

发布日期: 2022年4月25日

April marks IBS Awareness Month around the world, and at Sanofi, we are committed to increasing awareness and understanding of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).

Globally, the prevalence of IBS is high

Did you know that worldwide it’s estimated that 10-15% of the population has IBS?[i] Despite being relatively common, many are unaware of its volatile nature and uncomfortable symptoms that can significantly affect a person’s mental and physical health.

Internationally, Southeast Asia has lowest prevalence of IBS (7%) and South America the highest (21%).[ii]?IBS most often affects people between the ages of 20 and 30 years and is twice as common in women as in men. [iii] Prevalence rates appear to differ between countries, but the effect of IBS, in terms of quality of life is equal around the world. With developing countries now adopting a more Western diet and lifestyle, a subsequent increase in IBS prevalence rates is expected. However, even if prevalence rates remain unchanged, population growth alone indicates that there will be many more people living with IBS worldwide, potentially undiagnosed, and lacking understanding of how to manage symptoms.

Gastroenterologists are key in the diagnosis of IBS, they treat and work to prevent gastrointestinal (stomach and intestines) and hepatological (liver, gallbladder, biliary tree, and pancreas) diseases. Approximately 20-40% of all visits to gastroenterologists are due to IBS symptoms,[iv]?which include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation. Believe it or not, these symptoms can lead to people restricting their activities an average of 73 days out of the year! [v]

Taking IBS seriously

For those with a friend or family member living with IBS, the feeling of helplessness is likely familiar – but there are ways you can support. Something as simple as talking with a friend can really make all the difference. One of the best ways you can help someone is to encourage them to be open about how they’re feeling and be there for them when they require some support.

How to manage IBS through self-care

Living with IBS can be challenging. Empowering you to manage symptoms through selfcare is important to us. Something to consider is changing the foods you eat, think about a low-FODMAP diet, and only drink alcohol and caffeine products in moderation. Put simply, FODMAPs are a collection of short-chain carbohydrates (sugars) that aren’t absorbed properly in the gut, which can trigger symptoms in people with IBS.[vi]

Regular activity is essential for maintaining a healthy body, but also a healthy mind. Exercising regularly also helps to keep the digestive system moving. Maintaining a healthy mind can be highly effective in your treatment for IBS, with a variety of options to try including meditation, yoga, and talk therapies.

We strive to improve lives by providing care and support to patients across the world. If you have IBS symptoms, big or small, we don’t want you to suffer in silence. Firstly, don’t delay discussing your symptoms with your doctor, pharmacist, or gastroenterologist. You can also visit [Sanofi IBS symptom checker: IBS Symptom Checker | Have I got IBS? (buscopan.com)] for an online symptoms tool, to see if your symptoms could be IBS.

Although IBS cannot be completely prevented, proper self-care along with discussing your IBS indicators with a health care professional may help you to manage the symptoms. We want to empower you to speak out about your symptoms, get support and ultimately raise awareness this April!

#WorldIBSDay