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Because Digestive Health Matters |
International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders April 2022 eNewsletter |
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Greetings!
April is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Awareness Month
Up to 45 million people living in the United States suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Although IBS is a common condition, often stigmatized and misunderstood, the symptoms can significantly impact the quality of life for many patients.
IFFGD will join patients, family members, and caregivers this April to increase public awareness about IBS. This year's theme for IBS Awareness Month, Breaking the Stigmas, aims to help destigmatize the different types of IBS by utilizing the hashtags #IBSAwarenessMonth and #LifeWithIBS across all social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
IFFGD invites everyone to join this year's campaign by visiting www.aboutIBS.org to learn about IBS. You can also join IFFGD's awareness campaign by downloading and sharing information in the IBS Awareness Month Media Toolkit which provides key messaging and images.
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You have been to a healthcare provider, and had all the tests. The diagnosis you have been given is irritable bowel syndrome or IBS… now what?
IBS is a disorder of brain-gut and mind-body interactions. Many individuals find symptom relief and an improved sense of well-being when they incorporate relaxation techniques into their daily lives. Although stress is inevitable, it can become detrimental to one's physical and emotional health if not managed well.
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Click here to learn more about how relaxation techniques can improve IBS symptoms.
Click here to practice Progressive Muscle Relaxation with our 2021 NES presenter, Dr. Claire Brandon.
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Have you registered for this year's Norton Patient Education Series (NES): IBS Edition event? If you have not, it is not too late!
Everyone attending this year's event in Chicago will receive a complimentary conference bag with IFFGD merchandise and merchandise from our event sponsors and exhibitors.
You will also have a chance to network with other patient advocates and socialize with our presenter panel of experts. Click here to register today.
The Norton Patient Education Series (NES): IBS Edition is a free 1-day event featuring live educational presentations for patients and others impacted by irritable bowel syndrome. This event will be held in Chicago, Illinois, on Saturday, April 23, 2022, starting at 10:00 AM CT.
The Norton Patient Education Series: IBS Edition will equip individuals with the tools they need to manage their IBS symptoms.
Topics to Discuss:
- The Epidemiology, Symptomology, and Strategy of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Treatment Options for IBS-Mixed and IBS-Constipation
- Treatment Options for IBS-Diarrhea
- Food and IBS – How Can Working with a Dietitian Help?
- Why Should I Work with a Behavioral Therapist?
- Speaker Panel Discussion and Q & A
You do not want to miss this year's event. Click here to register, review the NES event agenda, and read about our 2022 speakers.
*As we return to in-person events, we will closely monitor the CDC regulations regarding COVID19. We will implement requirements based on the CDC and the event location guidelines for this program. Lastly, we will keep all registrants informed about the requirements and protocols that we will implement for the 2022 in-person NES event. Please do not hesitate to contact our staff at iffgd@iffgd.org with any questions and/or concerns.
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Most of the time, our gastrointestinal (GI) system attracts little public attention if we appropriately fill and empty it at regular intervals.
However, a noisy bowel may be or seem to be apparent to all within earshot.
Even with a healthy gut, some people feel a rumbling, growling stomach which can be a source of profound embarrassment. But, what are the actual causes of this noise?
The following can cause noises in the stomach:
- A muscular contraction of the intestinal wall
- The presence of liquid within the intestines
- The presence of gas within the intestines
Click the button below to learn more about abdominal noises.
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Heartburn that occurs now and then is common.
Heartburn is usually brought on by backflow (reflux) of acidic stomach contents into the food pipe (esophagus) and is commonly felt as a burning sensation behind the breastbone.
Antacid preparations serve to neutralize gastric acid after it is secreted. These still-helpful agents have a continuing role in treating mild, occasional heartburn and supplementing prescription drugs in more severe diseases.
Although they are traditional, cheap, handy, and relatively safe, risks and side effects can occur. Always speak with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan.
Click the button below to learn more about antacids and when to speak with your healthcare provider.
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Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGIDs) are rare conditions that can affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. EGIDs occur when many eosinophils (white blood cells) are found within the GI tract. In many individuals, these conditions are often identified by irregular food-related reactions in individuals.
Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) is an EGID that occurs within the esophagus. Eosinophils gather in the esophagus, causing redness, swelling, and damage.
Certain symptoms are seen more often in specific age groups. Poor growth, lack of appetite, and refusing to eat are most common in infants and children. Abdominal pain, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing are common in school-age children. Food getting stuck in the esophagus is most likely to occur in adults.
Click the button below to learn more about EoE from our 2021 NES: 30th Anniversary Edition presenter, Dr. Evan Dellon.
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For those who suffer from gastroparesis, eating 4-6 smaller meals per day may help you feel less full and help maintain nutritional intake.
Many dietary recommendations have been developed based on the understanding of normal stomach emptying of different types of foods.
The dietary recommendations found using the link below are likely to benefit those with mild to moderate gastroparesis greatly and have also been tried in patients with more severe gastroparesis to complement other medical treatments.
Your healthcare provider and a registered dietitian can help create meal plans that meet your needs.
Click the link below to view 6 sample meal plans you can use throughout 1 day.
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Clinical trials and research studies help to improve our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of diseases and advance the development of new and better treatment options. By participating in a study, you can help further the advancement of research and learn more about your condition.
Here are 3 studies currently recruiting participants:
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The IFFGD Ambassadors Program was designed to expand our reach in Mexico and South America by collaborating with local Pediatric Gastroenterologists.
This month, we highlight Ambassador Dr. Rodrigo Vazquez Frias MD, MSc, DSc from Mexico.
Dr. Fernando Alonso Medina Monroy is a pediatric gastroenterologist and endoscopist at the Hospital Centro Médico Nacional de la Raza (Distrito Federal, Mexico)/Universidad el Bosque, Bogotá, Colombia. He is an expert in allergies related to GI disorders. He graduated from the Universidad San Jorge, Zaragoza, Spain with a master’s in clinical Hepatology. He also has a master’s degree in in Microbiota, Probiotics and Prebiotics.
Dr. Monroy is the Founding Member of the Colombian College of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Pediatric Nutrition ( COLGAHNP). He is the Founder and President of ACOPYP (Colombian Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics) a member of the Board of Directors of SIAMPyP (Ibero-American Society of Microbiota, Probiotics, etc. Prebiotics).
He is also a member of the following societies:
- Colombian Society of Regional Pediatrics Santander SCP
- Latin American Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
- Colombian College of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
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IFFGD is a nonprofit organization. We rely on donor support to fund research and to provide reliable information and support to those affected by chronic gastrointestinal disorders.
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