- It is one of the most common gastrointestinal conditions with an estimated 10 to 20 per cent of the UK's population affected at any one time.
- The condition normally develops in people who are between 20 and 30 years old, but it can affect people of any age.
- Children can potentially cope with difficulties posed by IBS better than adults.
- Research carried out by the University of North Carolina and Duke University Medical Centre found that a CD asking children to imagine healing scenarios helped combat stomach aches.
- The symptoms of IBS can fluctuate. There may be times when symptoms are particularly troublesome and times when none are experienced.
- Although IBS poses no serious threat to health, it can have an adverse effect on quality of life.
- The exact causes of IBS are unknown although there are steps that can be taken to combat it. These include changes to diet, exercise, probiotic supplements, and reducing stress levels. There are also medicines to alleviate symptoms.
20-30 - age that IBS symptoms typically appear
2-4 - usual length of IBS "flare-up" in days
5% of those affected suffer severe symptoms
Source: NHS Choices; www.justibs.com
