About ibs
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is the most commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal condition and a significant cost burden on health care.
IBS affects around 11% of the global population – 1 in 9 – and in Australia, as many as 1 in 5 Australians will experience symptoms of IBS in their lifetime.
IBS is a functional disorder. Our understanding of IBS aetiology and pathology is incomplete. Treatment is therefore often directed to symptomatic relief and management. IBS symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating and alternating constipation and diarrhoea.
11
%
Irritable Bowel Syndrome affects around
1 in 9 people
IBS is one of the most
burdensome chronic ailments
IBS is one of the most burdensome chronic ailments reported by patients, with symptoms restricting sufferers day-to-day activities an average of 73 days a year.
Patients have a poor quality of life and utilise the healthcare system more than other patients.
IBS has a profound impact on patients with
According to the IBS Global Impact Report 2018, IBS has a profound impact on patients with:
• 45% of IBS-D (diarrhoea predominant) patients agreed with the statement “I’m willing to try anything to help manage my IBS”
• 14% of patients reporting they would risk a 1/1000 chance of death to live symptom-free
• Patients reported they would give up 25% of their remaining life (approx. 15 years) to live symptom-free
• 47% of patients with IBS-D stated that they had little or no ability to predict their symptoms on a daily basis
further information
For further information on IBS, visit International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders
Unsurprisingly, 50% of IBS patients turn to dietary supplements and complementary medicines to manage and relieve their often-debilitating symptoms. Costs to society in terms of direct medical costs and work absenteeism is staggering – amounting to $21 Billion or more annually.
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