The condition is often lifelong, although the symptoms may change over time. With the right strategies, IBS can be successfully managed. IBS does not pose a serious threat to your physical health and does not increase your chances of developing cancer or other bowel-related conditions.
The exact cause of IBS is unknown. Many causes have been suggested but none have been proven to lead to IBS.
The symptoms of IBS vary between individuals and affect some people more severely than others. Symptoms can become worse, often during times of stress or after eating certain foods.
IBS is a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder. Functional GI disorders, which doctors now call disorders of gut-brain interactions, are related to problems with how your brain and your gut work together. These problems can cause your gut to be more sensitive and change how the muscles in your bowel contract. If your gut is more sensitive, you may feel more abdominal pain and bloating. Changes in how the muscles in your bowel contract can lead to diarrhoea, constipation, or both.
IBS can cause disability and disrupts the working lives of many. Around 10 to 20% of the UK population live with IBS, this represents a significant number who are affected in the workplace. Britain’s businesses estimate they lose almost £3 billion every year through sick days related to gut health.
Women are up to twice as likely than men to develop IBS. And it’s more likely you’ll develop it if you’re under 50.
The most common symptoms of IBS are:
- abdominal (stomach) pain and cramping, which may be relieved by moving your bowels
- a change in your bowel habits – such as diarrhoea, constipation or sometimes both
- bloating and swelling of your stomach
- excessive wind (flatulence)
- occasionally experiencing an urgent need to move your bowels
Other less common symptoms may also be experienced, such as:
- lack of energy (lethargy)
- feeling sick
- heartburn
The symptoms of IBS can also have a significant impact on a person’s day-to-day life and, as a result, some people may experience symptoms of low mood and stress. IBS is a condition where good self-management can make a huge difference to the symptoms experienced, if you have IBS or know someone who does did you know that the IBS Network have created a self-care programme to support you?
Understanding ways in which you can help your colleagues who have IBS will allow them to continue working to their full capacity. Be aware that stress is often an important factor in those with IBS. If they feel unable to approach you, it might make their condition worse. Although you may find it a little uncomfortable at first, talk to your colleague about what you can do to support them.
Reasonable adjustments to consider:
- allowing time off for medical appointments or treatment
- offering shorter, different, or flexible working hours
- unlimited toilet breaks
- provide easy access to toilets, allocate a desk closer to the toilets
- if available perhaps provide a desk with pedestal drawers for them to store necessary IBS medication and their IBS emergency kit
- ensure effective monitoring and management of workload to reduce stress
- consider allocating space in the toilets for a colleague to keep essential items to maintain their personal hygiene, this could be a lockable wall box or a small cabinet to keep essential items such as incontinence materials and a change of clothes
- depending on the location you are working from, can you support a colleague with IBS by leaving a car parking space close to the entrance?