As many as 20% of the British population suffers with irritable bowel syndrome, according to charity The IBS Network. The exact causes of this longstanding, incurable condition, which affects more women than men, are unclear, but among its main symptoms are abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhoea, but they can also include nausea, fatigue, headaches and backaches. It is known that stress and eating certain foods can exacerbate symptoms, that can last from one day to several weeks or even months at a time.

To help anyone experiencing IBS, talkhealth has launched myIBS, a free 12-week programme written by leading medical experts from County Durham and Darlington NHS Trust. myIBS consists of dedicated information covering symptoms and treatments, common triggers and irritants, tests, diet, the psychological impact of living with IBS, plus tips on questions for patients to ask their doctor. You can learn more about myIBS on talkhealth’s website.

myIBS is part-sponsored with an educational grant from Enteromed Ltd, the exclusive distributor of Enterosgel® in the UK and Northern Ireland.

To complement the programme, talkhealth’s talkibs forum provides anyone with the chance to discuss and share personal experiences about their condition, and offer support to others who are coping with the very real physical and emotional issues surrounding IBS.

talkhealth is an independent online health community providing free information and support for those with chronic health conditions, whilst collaborating with pharmaceutical and healthcare companies, charities, medical professionals and the NHS to develop sustainable health programmes and solutions. Find them online at www.talkhealthpartnership.com.

We hope you find talkhealth useful.