Latest news and studies about IBS
Article Index
Have scientists found the reason some foods aggravate IBS?
KU Leuven researchers believe they have, and that it will lead to new and more effective therapies
Is there a link between asthma and IBS?
Apparently, there is, and this study suggests routine screening of asthma patients to help them manage their condition.
From a tummy massager to gummies, a squatting stool and a tracker app, which is the best for IBS?
From the slightly odd to the really out there, there are lots of gadgets on the market to help you manage your IBS. These have been reviewed by Peter Whorwell, mentioned elsewhere on this site as a pioneer of using hypnotherapy to help IBS sufferers.
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Is diarrhoea a symptom of COVID?
A minority of people do seem to develop stomach aches and upsets, often a few days before other, better-known symptoms of COVID. So if your upset stomach isn't following the usual pattern of your OBS, get it checked out.
COVID-19 and the gastro-intestinal system
Does your IBS put you in a high-risk category for COVID? Thankfully it would appear not - unless you have other conditions as well or are taking immunosuppression drugs or corticoids.
Runner's diarrhoea
Despite exercise being good for your IBS (see study below) some people with the condition find that they can be 'caught short' since exercise may increase the likelihood of diarrhoea striking suddenly. Very difficult if you are away from home.
Is exercise safe when you have IBS?
Not only is it safe, but it's also recommended and some kinds of exercise can help reduce stress and control your symptoms.
IBS genetically linked to other health problems
Migraines, tension headaches, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have been found to share a common genetic link.
A new kind of IBS? PDV-IBS
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
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
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
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.
