April is IBS Awareness month, which first began in 1997 when IFFGD (International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders) wanted to steer focus toward providing health messages about the diagnosis, treatment, and life’s difficulties that come with IBS. (1) Although there is no direct test for IBS, traditional investigational methods can include invasive blood tests and lengthy waiting times for bloodwork analysis and results, meaning a longer time for your patients’ discomfort. With the Gastrolyzer® range of hydrogen and methane breath tests, IBS can be investigated both quickly and non-invasively.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, commonly referred to as IBS, is a condition affecting approximately 1 in 20 people in the UK, causing symptoms such as stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation. These tend to come and go over time and can last for days, weeks, or months at a time. (2)
Unfortunately, although it is fairly common, IBS goes relatively undiagnosed and people are unaware that their symptoms indicate a medically recognized disorder.
Hydrogen and Methane Breath testing (HMBT) with the Gastrolyzer® range of breath analysis monitors can help to quickly and non-invasively detect and investigate IBS as well as other gastrointestinal disorders such as lactose intolerance, sugar intolerance, and SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth).
The Gastrolyzer® range works by measuring exhaled levels of hydrogen and methane produced when the gut breaks down food. Interpreting these gas levels can help to determine gastrointestinal disorders like IBS.
Both of these devices are ideal tools for doctors, dietitians, and gastroenterologists. Please see our website https://www.gastrolyzer.com for all the necessary information on how you can help your patients with our range today.
References:
1. International IBS Awareness Month [Internet]. International IBS Awareness Month. 2022 [cited 20 April 2022]. Available from: https://www.nicswell.co.uk/events/international-ibs-awareness-month-2022
2. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2022 [cited 20 April 2022]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs