1 in 10. And two thirds are silent about it.
IBS is one of the most common intestinal disorders in the world. Yet it remains largely under the radar, not because it is rare, but because people do not quickly bring it up.
Bigger than you think
5 to 15%
of the Dutch population has IBS, depending on the diagnostic criteria used.
33 to 50%
of people with symptoms consistent with IBS, at some point seek help from a doctor.
90%
of the people with IBS are completely treated by the GP, without referral to a specialist.
Women more often than men
International research according to the Rome IV criteria shows a prevalence of 5.2% in women compared to 2.9% in men. The prevalence in the Netherlands is highest in the age group 18 to 39 years, and then gradually decreases.
“Abdominal pain and bowel problems are not the type of symptoms with which you can easily open a conversation, not even with your GP.”
It is not in the patient, but in the look
Shame
Abdominal pain, flatulence and changes in bowel habits are topics that people do not spontaneously bring up.
Diagnosis by exclusion
There is no test that shows IBS. First, other conditions are excluded, which takes time.
Changing picture
Symptoms vary per person and per day, making the pattern difficult to capture in one GP visit.
What does and does not count
What is visible
- People who ultimately end up at the GP
- Sales of fiber preparations and laxatives
- Research into the FODMAP diet and its effectiveness
What is invisible remains
- The two thirds who never seek help
- How many social moments are canceled as a precaution
- The mental burden of an unpredictable body
Where these figures come from
5 to 15% of the population, various criteria
Only a third seeks help, 90% stay with the GP
FODMAP diet effective at 68 to 87%
Rome IV criteria and prevalence by gender
🏎 Need immediate help?
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