During IBS Awareness Month, education is key

In 1997, the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders designated April as IBS Awareness Month.

If you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you are not alone — up to 45 million people living in the United States suffer from IBS. Although IBS is common, patients are often stigmatized and misunderstood, and their symptoms have a significant impact on their quality of life. Many people remain undiagnosed and unaware that their symptoms indicate a medically recognized disorder.

Symptoms associated with IBS can flare up unexpectedly and change over time, even day to day. IBS is characterized by the following symptoms:

• Recurring or chronic bouts of abdominal pain or discomfort.
• Abdominal pain or discomfort associated with a change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation.
• Other symptoms may also occur, such as bloating, gas or urgency.

Related: Questions and answers with a gastroenterologist

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, the experts at UT Health San Antonio can help. Our medical specialists in primary care, along with our gastroenterologists, can diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions related to the digestive system.

UT Health De Zavala has appointments available with our gastroenterology specialist. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 210-450-6720 or visit UTHealthCare.org/DeZavala.