Patients with IBS Seeking Better Relief from Symptoms

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A new study has found that patients who suffer from IBS report, on average, a 50% quality of life score.

Patients who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) report, on average, a 50% quality of life (QOL) score, a new study—conducted by the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD), in collaboration with the University of North Carolina Center for Functional GI and Motility Disorders—has found.

When looking at the evaluation of risk due to medications, researchers found that 8% of all survey respondents suffering from IBS would accept a one in 100 chance of death to be symptom-free, whereas 6% of all patients would take on a one in 100 chance of “serious and disabling side affects” to be free of IBS symptoms.

In addition, for those who participated and suffer from severe IBS, one in seven would accept a one in 100 chance of death to be symptom free. One in nine of this group would accept the risk of “serious and disabling side affects” to be rid of symptoms.

When the researchers looked at what makes a case of IBS severe in a patient’s eyes, they found that pain, at a rate of 79.5%, is the number one factor. Others include bowel difficulties (74.4%), bloating (69.4%), and limits on eating and diet (69.2%).

Nearly 34% of respondents said that they were “not at all satisfied” with the available medications and remedies for relief of IBS symptoms. Almost 31% were “somewhat satisfied” with the care from physicians that they had received in the last year for IBS.

"These results show how desperately people are seeking freedom from their IBS symptoms," said Dr. Douglas A. Drossman, co-director of the Center and a member of the IFFGD's medical advisory board.

In addition, said Nancy J. Norton, president and founder of IFFGD, the results of the study highlight “the need for more effective treatments."

To view the complete results of the survey, click here

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