IBS in America: Despite advances, IBS remains a burden for many millions

Core Insights - The AGA-sponsored survey conducted by The Harris Poll reveals that IBS symptoms disrupt patients' productivity and personal activities for an average of 19 days each month, significantly affecting both personal and professional life [1][2] Patient Impact - IBS symptoms interfere with productivity at work or school for nearly 11 days per month on average, in addition to disrupting personal activities for eight days per month [3] - Patients are missing more work or school days due to gastrointestinal symptoms than they were a decade ago, with an increase from 2.1 days in 2015 to 3.6 days in 2024 [3] - A significant percentage of patients (58%) report spending less time with family and friends due to their symptoms, an increase from 48% in 2015 [3] Symptom Management - While fewer patients report their symptoms as very or extremely bothersome (43% in 2024 compared to 62% in 2015), 76% still find it somewhat or very difficult to manage their symptoms [4] - Less than one in three patients (31% in 2024) can accurately predict whether they will experience symptoms on a given day, consistent with 29% in 2015 [4] Emotional and Social Effects - A significant number of patients (72%) do not feel like themselves due to their symptoms, and 69% feel their symptoms prevent them from reaching their full potential [6] - The survey highlights that IBS continues to challenge patients in making plans and impacts their self-perception [5] Treatment Landscape - Despite advancements in treatment options over the last decade, patients and healthcare providers predominantly rely on over-the-counter treatments and lifestyle adjustments rather than prescription medications [7] - Among patients who have tried prescription medications, only 18% for IBS-C and 19% for IBS-D find them among the most helpful treatments [8] - The most common recommendations from healthcare providers include avoiding situations with limited bathroom access (77%) and difficulty in planning due to unpredictable symptoms (72%) [8] Provider-Patient Interaction - Approximately 45% of healthcare providers say they will recommend or prescribe a specific IBS treatment requested by patients, but only about 14% of patients often make such requests [9] - Most patients with IBS-C and IBS-D (78% each) are satisfied with their current treatments, but only about 25% for IBS-C and 26% for IBS-D are very satisfied [10] Opportunities for Improvement - Compared to 2015, more physicians report that effective relief of abdominal pain (49% vs. 39%) and the availability of treatment options (49% vs. 34%) are lacking in IBS treatment today [10] - The findings indicate a need for further improvement in treatment efficacy and patient satisfaction [10]