Latest news and studies about IBS
On this page, we are publishing the latest news, studies, information and advice about IBS. Please check back regularly for updates.
Is exercise safe when you have IBS?
Not only is it safe, it's recommended and some kinds of exercise can help reduce stress and control your symptoms.
IBS genetically linked to other health problems, March 2106
Migraines, tension headaches, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have been found to share a common genetic link.
A new kind of IBS? PDV-IBS, February 2016
Some researchers say that IBS type symptoms may be suffered following a bout of diverticulitis. Others say the diverticulitis was just a flare-up of a pre-existing condition.
Connection found between fibromyalgia and IBS, January 2016
Research suggests that up to 70% of those with fibromyalgia also suffer IBS symptoms, though the link between the two is not yet clear.
IBS treatment better dealt with by GPs, December 2015
A Dutch study has recommended that the majority of IBS patients should be offered treatment in primary care (e.g. from GPs and practice nurses) rather than secondary care (referrals to specialists). The primary care treatment is significantly cheaper and just as effective, although some of the increased costs are because specialists are more likely to refer patients to other specialists.
Sensitivity to cat dander may explain high asthma rates in IBS sufferers, September 2015
Cat dander consists of tiny pieces of dry cat skin which gets into the air and lands on carpeting, furniture, and other surfaces including humans and their clothing. Allergies to it can cause (among other things) sneezing, runny nose, congestion and skin rashes. Those with IBS are more likely than average to be sensitive to cat dander, which may explain why those with IBS have a higher prevalence of asthma than those without.
Effect of FODMAP diet questioned, August 2015
Despite claims that the diet is 'medically proven' to help IBS sufferers (see our January post below) a new study says the diet has 'very limited' evidence in its favour.
Effects of hypnosis on GI problems, August 2015
Report by the UNC Center for Functional GI and Motility Disorders
Many IBS patients sensitive to gluten, July 2015
A six-week study showed that nearly 84% of the gluten-free placebo group showed a significant improvement in symptoms compared to just under 26% for the gluten consuming group. The team responsible for the study suggests that the term of IBS may change or delay an "effective and well-targeted treatment strategy in gluten-sensitive patients."
IBS is psychological as well as physical, June 2015
Anthony J. Lembo at the 2nd annual Digestive Diseases meeting in Philadelphia says psychological factors should be treated as well as physical symptoms when treating IBS. The article doesn't mention hypnotherapy specifically but certainly implies support for its use.
New blood test to diagnose IBS, May 2015
Gastroenterologist Dr Mark Pimentel, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in LA, believes his new method could help secure an early diagnosis for patients, avoiding the need for years of medical appointments.
FODMAP diet to help control IBS symptoms, January 2015
There is now a 'medically proven' treatment which offers relief to three-quarters of patients – the low FODMAP diet. Dietician Dr Sue Shepherd, who first developed the diet, has created an easy-to-follow recipe book that makes identifying ‘trigger’ foods simple.
Taking control of my IBS, 2014
Not exactly news, but a really good blog on how an IBS sufferer got control of their symptoms after ten years of struggling.
Links between IBS and abuse, 2014
This report investigates the idea that children who are abused or neglected may be more likely to develop IBS later in life. You'll have to register with PubMed to read the whole report.
AGA publish a guide to help identify the best IBS treatments, Nov. 2014
The American Gastrological Association say their new guideline - published in the journal Gastroenterology - offers an evidence-based approach to help patients and their doctors navigate the wealth of drug information
IBS affects men and women differently, October 2014
A new study shows men with IBS tend to experience more social stress and irritability, which leads to them receiving different treatment from their doctors.
Patients with IBS process gut pain differently, October 2014
It's thought that patients with irritable bowel syndrome cannot block pain signals from the gut as easily as those without the condition.
Natural sugars a culprit in IBS, September 2014
Growing evidence suggests a novel diet approach that restricts certain natural sugars found in everyday foods can dramatically improve bloating, gas and abdominal pain in most IBS sufferers.
