April is IBS Awareness Month

If you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you are not alone – IBS is common with worldwide prevalence estimated at 9% to 23%. Yet many people remain undiagnosed and unaware that their symptoms indicate a medically recognized disorder.

In 1997, IFFGD designated April as IBS Awareness Month. During this time, we work to focus attention on important health messages about IBS diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life issues.

IBS Awareness Month is listed on the U.S. National Health Observances calendar. Health observances are days, weeks, or months devoted to promoting particular health concerns. Health professionals, teachers, community groups, and others can use these special times to sponsor health promotion events and stimulate awareness of health issues.

 

For a free IBS information packet, call or send us an email at iffgd@iffgd.org.

Awareness year round is essential to furthering support of research and improved care. Yet the nature of IBS symptoms makes it difficult to talk about. On the other hand, it is easy for others to ignore a disorder when those who suffer from its consequences do so in silence. We need to be heard.

We encourage support of public service messages about IBS. Contact IFFGD for more information regarding educational messages about IBS Awareness.

Help us to raise the dialogue about IBS to a new level of increased understanding. Thank you.

More

• Facts About IBS
• Help for Talking to Your Doctor
• IBS Patients: Their Illness Experience and Unmet Needs Survey (pdf)
• Share Your Story
• Become a Digestive Health Alliance Advocate

Help spread the word. Download or print out an IBS Awareness Month Poster (pdf).