IBS Awareness Month – April 2023

Since 1997, April has been designated as IBS Awareness month by IFFGD (International Foundations for Gastrointestinal Disorders) and listed on the National Health Observances calendar1. This date gives the ability to impact positive outcomes such as providing additional research, increased educational opportunities, and improved patient care for the functional gastrointestinal community1.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects the digestive system, causing symptoms such as stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation. Irritations tend to come and go over time and can last for days, weeks or months at a time2. In England and Wales, the number of people consulting for IBS is estimated to be between 1.6 and 3.9 million3. Unfortunately, although it is fairly common, IBS goes relatively undiagnosed and people are unaware that their symptoms indicate a medically recognized disorder1.

Traditional investigational methods can include invasive blood tests and lengthy waiting times for bloodwork analysis and results. Despite the fact that there is no direct test for IBS, the Gastrolyzer® range by Bedfont® Scientific Ltd. offers a quick and non-invasive breath analysis tool that can help when investigating a patient’s symptoms.

Hydrogen and Methane Breath Testing (HMBT) with the Gastrolyzer® range works by measuring exhaled levels of H2 & CH4 produced when the bacteria in the gut breaks down food. Interpreting these gas levels can help determine and/or rule out gastrointestinal disorders, such as carbohydrate malabsorption and sugar intolerances.

With results promptly displayed onscreen, it reduces the time of your patient’s discomfit, making HMBT an ideal tool for doctors, dietitians, and gastroenterologists.

All the necessary information about how you can help your patients with the Gastrolyzer® range products can be found on our website, https://www.gastrolyzer.com.

References:

1. Ibs awareness month [Internet]. About IBS. 2022 [cited 2023Mar6]. Available from: https://aboutibs.org/living-with-ibs/ibs-awareness-month/

2. NHS choices. NHS; [cited 2023Mar6]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/

3. Irritable bowel syndrome [Internet]. NICE. 2015. [Cited 10th March 2023]. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/qs114/documents/irritable-bowel-syndrome-in-adults-qs-briefing-paper2