AGA GastroNews, AGA IBS in America survey reveals IBS major burden despite advances in treatment (8/7/25):

Methods: The Harris Poll on behalf of AGA in 2024, among 2,013 U.S. adults age 18+ who have been diagnosed by a health care provider with IBS-C (1,005) or IBS-D (1,008). In addition, U.S. health care provider research was conducted online among 600 health care providers including gastroenterologists (n=200), primary care physicians (PCPs, n=200), gastroenterology nurse practitioners (NP)/physician assistants (PA) (n=100), and PCP NP/PAs (n=100)

Key findings:

• IBS symptoms interfere with patients’ productivity at work/school for nearly 11 days per month on average
• IBS symptoms disrupt personal activities eight days per month on average
• 69% say their symptoms make them feel like they’re not “normal”
• 77% avoid situations where bathroom access is limited.
• 72% find it difficult to plan activities due to unpredictable symptoms.
• 72% stay home more often because of their symptoms

My take: This sample of patients with IBS likely has more severe symptoms than a more general population of patients with IBS. Nevertheless, it highlights the impact of IBS symptoms on daily living.

Link: AGA IBS Toolkit

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