World Irritable Bowel Syndrome Day 19 April 2024 - Theme & Importance

World Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Day is a globally recognized and celebrated healthcare event observed on the 19th of April. The celebration of the World IBS Day is filled with, various awareness campaigns and activities to promote are conducted by several worldwide organizations to understand the early diagnosis, treatment and preventive tips for irritable bowel syndrome.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) campaigns are mainly focused on the risk population, such as: 

• The patients are young, under the age of 50 years.
• Female patients. 
• Patients with a family history of IBS. 
• Patients suffering from anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. Hormonal therapy (oestrogen therapy) during or after menopause can also increase the risk. 

Importance of World IBS Day

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal (GI) illness accompanied by abdominal discomfort, dysentery, constipation, mucus discharge with stools, and changes in stool shape. The prevalence of IBS in Western and Asian nations ranges between 4-5% and 1-10%, respectively. Its incidence in India is believed could be 4-7% and is increasing. 

Patients suffering from IBS reported worse bodily pain, energy/fatigue, and social functioning. Early screening of IBS, especially in the risk population, can be leveraged for a confident diagnosis of IBS in a more timely manner, which may, in turn, lower the substantial economic burden and human cost of the disorder. 

Greater public awareness of IBS can help patients overcome the stigma of their symptoms and seek medical attention sooner to establish a diagnosis and effective treatment.

This explains the necessity and importance of World IBS Day.

World IBS Day 2024 Theme

This year 2024, the World IBS Day Theme is "Light Up the Sky for IBS". This theme will feature periwinkle illuminations of buildings, bridges, and waterfalls on April 19th. Ardelyx will light up Boston's Prudential Center in Periwinkle in collaboration with elected officials and patient groups.

Preventative measures for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

The following are the general tips which can be applied to relieve irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.

• Have only homemade meals with fresh ingredients 
• Avoid fatty, spicy or processed foods
• Maintain a record of the dietary supplements and try to avoid things that trigger the IBS by corresponding to the symptoms you may get with the food eaten.
• Try not to skip or delay any meals.
• Get plenty of meditation or any other activities for relaxation and exercise.
• Avoid having more than three portions (a portion is 80g) of fresh fruit a day. 
• A maximum of 3 cups of tea/coffee per day is permissible 
• Do not attempt to eat too quickly
• Avoid alcoholism and fizzy drinks

Department of Gastroenterology