Limit Long Meetings Presentations And Travel
Normal workplace things like long meetings, travel and presentations can be quite the nightmare for an IBS sufferer. So where possible, try to limit the amount of these activities.
Speak to your boss or colleagues about your situation – it’s possible that someone from work is understanding enough to take on trips or meetings you’re unable to do.
Next Hit Them With Some Ibs Facts
Approach this conversation professionally and clinically. Let them know that you have done your research and highlight some important statistics and facts to let them know a little bit more about your condition. Showing statistical evidence about the disorder will help to reinforce their understanding that your absence from work is not due to laziness, but due to a legitimate medical disorder.
Use Checklists And To
Encourage your team member to use checklists with routine tasks or processes, to ensure that they don’t miss a step.
Ask them to write a to-do list every day, so that they can stay on top of tasks . At the top of each to-do list, ask them to write down what they want to achieve by the end of the day. This can encourage them to stay motivated, and do their work thoroughly.
Recommended Reading: How To Reduce Bloating Quickly
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment
The goal of IBS treatment is to provide relief from your symptoms. Your exact course of treatment will depend on the type and severity of your symptoms.
The success of the treatment often depends on having a good understanding of what IBS is and how it is treated. Fortunately, there are dietary, pharmacologic and behavioral approaches that can help, and they should be individualized to you. So ask your doctor lots of questions and help your doctor get to know what is important to you. Patients with better relationships with their medical provider often report that they have better symptom control.
Many patients worry about their symptoms and what will happen to them in the future. IBS is troubling and uncomfortable, but the condition itself does not increase your risk of any future health difficulties.
Treatment of IBS and associated symptoms may include:
- Dietary changes
- Alternative therapies
Dietary Changes Might Be Just What The Doctor Ordered
In recent years, one dietary approach designed by Australian researchers has become more widely accepted as beneficial for people with IBS the Low FODMAP diet.
A review published in January 2017 in Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that 50 to 86 percent of people with IBS showed improvement in their symptoms on a low-FODMAP diet.
According to the IFFGD, FODMAPs are carbohydrates that tend to cause problems for people with IBS. Restricting them not cutting them out completely has been shown to improve IBS symptoms.
Foods that are considered high FODMAP include soft cheeses, cows milk, yogurt, vegetables such as asparagus and artichokes, fruits such as plums and apples, cashews and pistachios, and rye and wheat breads.
The Low FODMAP diet has seen a fair amount of success, Boland says. But it can be challenging to follow completely. I tell my patients that they dont need to follow it to a tee, but it can help them identify trigger foods that they didnt expect.
Also Check: Why Is My Stomach Still Bloated After My Period
How Does Ibs Cause Stress And Anxiety
IBS and anxiety are both known to trigger each other, says Dr Behnam.
“IBS symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea or constipation can impact one’s mental health severely and leave the person depressed, anxious or sleep-deprived.
Stress and anxiety in return make the IBS worse through several mechanisms such as an overactivity of the immune system, dysbiosis and overactivity of bowels.”
Michelle found having a high-stress job on top of IBS meant her mental well-being took a real hit and, many years later, she is still struggling with the lasting damage caused by anxiety and depression. Even when applying for jobs today, she has lied to employers, not declaring her IBS out of fear of not being successful.
How does IBS affect people at work?
When Should I See A Healthcare Provider
See your provider if you have symptoms more than three times a month for more than three months. And if you have symptoms less often, but they interfere with your life, its a good idea to talk to your provider.
Some symptoms may point to a more serious problem. Contact your provider as soon as possible if you have:
Don’t Miss: Do You Get Heartburn Before Labor
Try An Elimination Diet
Food is a major player in IBS and what foods prove bothersome vary from person to person.
If youre not sure what foods trigger you, or you have an inkling but want confirmation, try eliminating common offenders things like dairy, gluten, acidic foods, coffee or carbonated beverages from your diet for a couple of weeks and see if you start feeling better. Then, slowly add each food back into your diet, one at a time, and see if you start experiencing symptoms again. For more accurate results, you can also do this with the guidance of your doctor or a dietitian.
Another eating pattern that works well for many people with IBS is the low-FODMAP diet. FODMAP stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides And Polyols, which are all different types of carbohydrates in various types of food. Many doctors think FODMAPs can exacerbate IBS symptoms.
Try An Alternative Technique Like Hypnotherapy
One approach that has been shown to help relieve IBS symptoms is hypnotherapy, a type of therapy that promotes relaxation and subconscious change. In fact, a study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology reported that gut-directed hypnotherapy improved IBS symptoms in participants after three months and for up to a year. A review published in April 2014 in the Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility found that hypnotherapy may be particularly beneficial in alleviating abdominal pain in the short-term and can also help improve overall quality of life for IBS patients.
The practice of hypnosis is not restricted by law in most places in the United States, which means that anybody can become a hypnotherapist without any qualifications or quality assurance. When choosing a hypnotherapist, keep the following in mind:
Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Heartburn At Night
Defining And Diagnosing Ibs
What exactly causes IBS and causes the gut-brain interaction to malfunction is unclear and there could be multiple causes, Krishnamurthy says.
Some research shows that IBS begins after an infection in the bowel, usually from a case of food poisoning. IBS could also be caused by a condition called small intestinal bacterial overgrowth , which can be diagnosed by a breath test and treated with a specific antibiotic.
IBS has also been associated with abnormalities in the microbiome, the colony of bacteria living in our guts.
Some experts wonder whether chemicals and additives that are in highly processed foods play a role, too. Though there is not yet much research to confirm or deny this, one preliminary study did find that certain food additives have the potential to impact gut bacteria.
The SAD diet is really sad. People are exposed to so many things, like pesticides, preservatives and industrial and chemical toxins, that we think have a direct effect on the microbiome, Krishnamurthy says.
There is also a long-recognized link between IBS and mental health disorders. In fact, one study estimates that half of people who have IBS also have anxiety or depression.
Now were questioning whether its really the other way around, at least in some people. That whatever condition led to IBS has altered bacteria in the colon, and that microbiome alteration also causes the anxiety and depression, Krishnamurthy says.
Consider Treatment To Prevent Ibs
Once IBS symptoms do flare up at work, little can be done except to bear through the discomfort and pain. Deep breathing and walking around may help during episodes of pain.
But experts say the best way to deal with IBS at work is to try to prevent symptoms.
Your doctor may prescribe medicine to prevent IBS symptoms. Some drugs may take a few weeks to take full effect.
Jacks suggests regular exercise. “Working out on a regular basis releases tension,” she says. Also, she notes that physical activity can help tone intestine muscles.
Roberts recommends behavioral therapy for IBS, which could include hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, and relaxation techniques.
Other strategies that may help prevent flare-ups of IBS symptoms at work include:
Also Check: What Causes Stomach Pain And Bloating
Speak To Your Boss And Co
IBS might seem like an embarrassing condition to open up about, but keeping your boss and colleagues in the loop about your condition will mean you’re more comfortable when it comes to backing out of work events or saying no to certain foods.
Keeping quiet about your condition may add on to your stress and make symptoms worse. By making people you work with aware of your health issue, you’ll be able to work better and might even be more comfortable asking for a day off if symptoms get to be too much.
Tool Kit For Educating Your Employer About Your Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Tags: IBS
This resources was made possible due to an unrestricted educational grant from Nestle Health Science, makers of IBgard.
If you suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome , you know that when your symptoms flare up, they can be incapacitating. Getting ready for work in the morning can seem like an impossible task.
People who suffer from IBS may have four to five bowel movements before leaving the house in the morning. This can continue throughout the day, accompanied by abdominal pain. Extreme bloating and abdominal pain can be distracting and effect performance and productivity. The continuous need to use the bathroom can disrupt meetings or make you late for work.
Due to the nature of the condition, people who suffer from IBS often feel isolated, alone, and embarrassed. There is a stigma that comes along with gastrointestinal issues like IBS. Since many symptoms are invisible, it is often difficult for employers and colleagues to understand why you might sometimes be absent or late or need to spend so much time in the bathroom. This can often be chalked up to a lack of understanding on the debilitating nature of the condition and can be rectified by opening the lines of communication between patient and employer.
Most importantly, here are a few things to keep in mind while dealing with IBS at work, before you speak to your employer.
Read Also: What Does Constipated Baby Poop Look Like
When Should You Contact A Doctor About Ibs
Dr Behnam reminds people to not self-diagnose IBS, as other causes of IBS symptoms may need to be excluded before a diagnosis is made. Let your doctor diagnose it after running a few tests, and report any new symptoms or changes in bowel movements to your GP.
The symptoms of IBS include:
- Abdominal pain and spasms, often relieved by going to the toilet.
- Diarrhoea, constipation or an alternation between the two.
- Bloating or swelling of the abdomen.
- Rumbling noises and excessive passage of wind.
- Urgent need to visit the toilet.
- Sharp pain inside the gut and rectum.
- Sensations of incomplete bowel movements.
The IBS Network reminds people to seek support from their doctor if they are worried about IBS, keeping in mind that any embarrassment is only temporary, but ignoring a problem could lead to larger and more painful issues.
*names changed
Writing Out Symptoms And Tracking Food Can Help Identify Triggers
Some people with IBS find it beneficial to keep a journal to track their symptoms and how theyre feeling. And whenever you feel like you need emotional clarity or a good de-stressor, writing can help. If you’re new to journaling, start by buying a notebook. Then start writing for a few minutes every day don’t worry about spelling, grammar, or punctuation.
Make note of any strong feelings that arise during the day. When pressed for time, try using one adjective that sums up your day and a second to describe how you want tomorrow to be. Don’t give up if you haven’t written for a few days.
Reading previous journal entries may put your current health problems in perspective. For example, you could determine that a week-long bout of diarrhea was just the result of bad dietary choices, not a flare up of your condition.
You May Like: Why Does Swallowing Pills Give Me Heartburn
Being Under Threat Of Symptoms
The unpredictable characters of symptoms affected work life. The respondents spend a lot of time being perceptive to their gut, thinking and worrying about present symptoms and possible worsening of symptoms. Symptoms from the GI tract and fatigue were specific symptoms, which were described as interfering with work life. GI symptoms delayed arriving in time in the mornings and disrupted and hindered work tasks during the day due to urgent need to visit the toilet. For many, the GI symptoms could flare up, which led to a period with intense symptoms from their IBS. During these periods, which could vary from one day to weeks, working was almost impossible. Fatigue was described by many as impacting work life more than GI symptoms. Multiple aspects of work were affected by mental and/or physical fatigue, making it harder to concentrate and affecting the pace of work and could even make full-time work impossible. Respondents also described co-occurrence of fatigue and pain, where pain could lead to fatigue, requiring rest, and depending on severity, a need to stay home from work. Stress from having symptoms, as well as stress originating from work life led to more symptoms. The stress did not always trigger symptoms but could intensify already occurring symptoms. Experiencing anxiety could trigger symptoms.
What Are The Different Types Of Ibs
Researchers categorize IBS based on the type of bowel movement problems you have. The kind of IBS can affect your treatment. Certain medicines only work for certain types of IBS.
Often, people with IBS have normal bowel movements some days and abnormal ones on other days. The type of IBS you have depends on the abnormal bowel movements you experience:
- IBS with constipation : Most of your poop is hard and lumpy.
- IBS with diarrhea : Most of your poop is loose and watery.
- IBS with mixed bowel habits : You have both hard and lumpy bowel movements and loose and watery movements on the same day.
Also Check: Can Not Eating Cause Diarrhea
Maintain A Regular Schedule
Dorling Kindersley / Getty Images
Your reality is that you have a digestive system that is highly reactive. This means that you have to treat it with kid gloves. Make sure you maintain regular sleep and eating habits, aiming for regularly timed, small meals to avoid strengthening the gastrocolic reflex which can lead to stronger abdominal cramps.
If constipation is your predominant symptom, allow time every morning for a relaxed trip to the bathroom, even if this means you have to get up a little earlier. If diarrhea is your predominant symptom, you will be glad for that extra time!
Look For Ways To Manage Stress
Food isnt the only factor impacting your IBS symptoms. Stress may also play a role.
I hear so many of my patients saying Im stressed out right now, so my symptoms are worse, Boland says.
Feeling mentally or emotionally tense, troubled, angry, or overwhelmed can stimulate colon spasms in people with IBS. The colon has a vast supply of nerves that connect it to the brain. These nerves control the normal rhythmic contractions of the colon and can cause abdominal discomfort at stressful times. People often experience cramps or “butterflies” when they are nervous or upset. But with IBS, the colon can be overly responsive to even slight conflict or stress.
Trying to have some sort of game plan to help yourself through the stressful time can be beneficial, Boland says. If stress plays a major role in your life, try these tips to find relief:
You May Like: What Is Florastor Probiotic Used For
Dealing With Irritable Bowel Syndrome At Work
Last Editorial Review: 12/16/2009
Irritable bowel syndrome is especially hard on people at work, but there are ways to cope.
Even getting ready to go to work can be hard for people with some types of IB S. It’s not unusual for IBS sufferers to have four to five bowel movements before they leave the house, says Jeffrey Roberts, president and founder of the IBS Self Help and Support Group. The group has 25,000 active members online, and face-to-face meetings in the U.S., Canada, and other countries.
“We have seen people who’ve stopped working, because they can’t cope with getting ready in the morning, leaving, and having that uneasy feeling of having to deal with ,” says Roberts.
Leaving the working world is just one of the things people with IBS do because of their disorder. Sufferers often miss or are late for work, school, and other activities.
Stay On Top Of Your Work
Hero Images / Getty Images
One of the major contributors to IBS symptoms is stress. Dont fall into the procrastination trap.
Deadlines can be very stressful. Make sure to utilize good time management skills and map out a plan to get your work done in a timely, relaxed manner. This way you are not stressing out your system any more than it already is.
Read Also: How Long Does It Take To Recover From Ibs
Tip : Manage Your Stress
Stress-related symptomslike abdominal pain and bloatingoccur more often and more intensely in people with IBS. Managing the stress in your life is important in avoiding flare-ups.
There are several effective methods for stress management that can improve IBS symptoms, including deep breathing and yoga. The secret is to breathe from your diaphragm, not your chest, to relax your abdominal muscles. Doing so can lead to more regular bowel activity.