Irritable Bowel Syndrome Medical Myth Buster with Dr Rafeeq - Reducing IBS Stress
The National Institute of Digestive Diseases shares that around 5% of children aged 4 to 18 are affected by Irritable Bowel
Syndrome (IBS). We caught up with Dr. Rafeeq, our Consultant Paediatric Gastroenterologist from our Children’s Hospital for some medical myth-busters for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) Awareness Month. Dr Rafeeq has kindly agreed to address some of these medical misconceptions for us:
MYTH: IBS is only triggered by the food you eat
Dr Rafeeq educates us that the condition can also be triggered by stress and poor mental wellbeing.
Stress has an impact on the immune system which can make IBS more challenging to deal with for those affected. Dr Rafeeq shares: “IBS has a mind-body connection and stress in the mind can trigger IBS flare-ups in the body. It’s important that those with IBS manage these areas of their mental wellbeing, but this can significantly minimise IBS flare-ups. Whilst stress doesn’t cause IBS, it can worsen symptoms in children which is why mental wellbeing is an important part of managing the condition.”
MYTH: Diagnosis is clear cut
IBS is an illness that is diagnosed by ruling out other intestinal conditions by analysing patients' symptoms, blood and stool tests. Gastroenterologists rule out conditions such as celiac disease, Cronh’s and Colitis before diagnosing IBS. There is no definitive test to diagnose IBS – your doctor will start by assessing your medical history, then a physical exam will be completed followed by a series of tests for other intestinal conditions.
MYTH: IBS is the same as Crohn’s and Colitis
The condition differs to Crohn’s and Colitis previously discussed with Dr Rafeeq, as those with IBS can present with normal stool samples whereas Crohn’s and Colitis can be detected through abnormal stool samples. IBS also does not cause intestinal damage whereas Crohn’s and Colitis presents higher risks of intestinal problems such as obstructions, ulcers, fistulas, and fissures. However, IBS can still have an impact upon quality of life if not effectively managed through adjusting diet, sleep hygiene, weight management and medication.
MYTH: My IBS symptoms will never change
IBS symptoms can improve in a third of the patients and in another third it could remain stable. In a third of the patients, IBS symptoms can get worse over time. These group of patients will benefit from dietary and lifestyle adjustments. For adult patients with IBS, some medications have been found to be helpful. Your GP will be able to advise on this. You can also learn more about managing your child's IBS by visiting our NHS IBS support page.
We’d like to say a big thank you to Dr. Rafeeq for sharing his medical myth-busters with us this IBS Awareness Month.
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