How Common is Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Post date: May 18th, 2006Many recent statistics state that Irritable Bowel syndrome is a more common problem than most people would think. If you are dealing with the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, you should feel reassured that you are not alone with the problem. There are many others that have to cope with the same symptoms as you.
In general, it is said that Irritable Bowel Syndrome affects between ten to twenty percent of the population. It is also known as one of the most common syndromes that are diagnosed by doctors and physicians. It is also thought that over seventy percent of those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome do not seek treatment or a diagnosis from a doctor. So not only is Irritable Bowel Syndrome a common part of the population, it is also an illness that is often not shared with a health care provider.
Certain demographics in relation to Irritable Bowel Syndrome show that it is not separated by either age or ethnicity. It can affect anyone during any point of their life. It can also affect children and teenagers, as well as adults. The one major difference that demographics do show is its relationship between females and males.
It is clear that approximately forty percent of the population who has Irritable Bowel Syndrome is male, whilst obviously the other sixty percent are female. It is thought that females suffer more because of their heightened hormonal changes especially through menstruation.
One of the other factors to consider with the commonality of IBS is how severe your symptoms are. Only a minority of sufferers visit their doctor for help. This is due to a variety of reasons. Many IBS sufferers do not experience severe symptoms, thus making them feel reluctant to visit their doctor whereas some experience moderate to sever symptoms making them more likely to go to their doctor.
It is also important to note that IBS and the symptoms that are related to it are not recognized by many people as IBS. Many people have mild IBS, but do not recognize the characteristics because they feel reluctant or embarrassed to share information regarding their symptoms with others. Because of the taboo that is attached to Irritable Bowel Syndrome,, the illness is more common than most people realize.
If you are suffering from IBS, it is important to recognize that you are not alone. There are many people who have been diagnosed with IBS whether it is a severe or a mild syndrome. If you share your concerns regarding your Irritable Bowel Syndrome with either your doctor or your family, you may be surprised to find many others also have to deal with the same symptoms as you. You may find it beneficial to join support groups or find ways to deal with the symptoms through the help of other people.
Because there appears to be no other trends, it is important that you monitor your eating habits as well as note everything that affects your digestive system. This includes your moods, your emotions, your menstrual cycle etc. Then you will be able to devise a proactive method of controlling your symptoms.
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