IFFGD Marks IBS Awareness Month with Launch of Mobile App

MILWAUKEE, March 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of IBS Awareness Month in April, the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) launches a new mobile app, providing educational information about irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).  The nonprofit organization designed the app to give people easy access to knowledge that will help them better recognize and deal with the symptoms of IBS.

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IBS is a chronic digestive condition characterized by recurring abdominal pain or discomfort.  The pain is associated with a change in bowel pattern, such as constipation and/or diarrhea.  IBS Awareness Month, first designated by IFFGD in April of 1997, is a time to raise awareness and educate people on the symptoms and the prevalence of the disorder. 

The IFFGD mobile app, titled IBS Info, provides reliable information from leaders in the GI field to help better understand the symptoms, causes, and treatments of IBS.  Topics include food and diet, tips on working with your doctor, and guidance on daily living with the disorder.

"More and more people are using the internet and their smartphones to access information to help manage their health," said Nancy Norton, president and founder of IFFGD. "With IBS the sheer amount of information can be overwhelming, not to mention the complexity of the condition. Our new app is a place where people can know that what they are reading is trustworthy."

About one of every 10 people is affected by IBS, including a growing number of returning military personnel. Many with the disorder suffer from constipation, diarrhea, and other ongoing symptoms like bloating and an urgent need to use the restroom.  Those with the condition can experience symptoms that change over time or vary from day to day, and many times, symptom flare ups come on unexpectedly.   The symptoms, coupled with the uncertainty and fluctuation, can significantly impair the quality of life for those that are affected.

"The physical and emotional effects of having a chronic digestive disorder can be severe.  We are dedicated to helping this community to find dependable information and advocating to make better treatment options available for these conditions," Norton said. 

For more information on IBS, download the IBS Info app for use on iOS and Android platforms.  You can also visit IFFGD's dedicated websites www.aboutIBS.org. The information provided by IFFGD is not intended to replace the guidance of a health care professional.  It is advised that you see your physician if you are experiencing symptoms of IBS. 

ABOUT IFFGD

The International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) is a nonprofit education and research organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people impacted by chronic digestive conditions.  Together with patients, families, clinicians, researchers, and other health professionals, IFFGD works tirelessly to promote awareness, scientific advancement, and improved patient care. The largest organization of its kind in the US, IFFGD and its grassroots arm, the Digestive Health Alliance, rely on donor support to fund research and provide educational resources for those affected by gastrointestinal disorders. Learn how you can help at www.iffgd.org and www.dha.org or by contacting [email protected]. 

Jill Godsey
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SOURCE IFFGD