About 12% of Americans suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), along with the uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing symptoms it can cause. With IBS, bowel activity can be unpredictable, and the risk of public “accidents” is all too real.
At Digestive Disease Specialists in Moline, Illinois, and Bettendorf, Iowa, our team helps our patients manage IBS symptoms and reduce flare-ups, providing you with medical treatment and lifestyle guidance tailored to your specific symptoms.
In this post, learn some useful tips to help you navigate social occasions with greater confidence and self-assurance.
Having a plan for how to handle emergencies can provide peace of mind and help you feel more in control. These tips can help.
As soon as you arrive at your destination, locate the bathrooms and seat yourself nearby, if possible. Not sure where the bathrooms are? Ask a staff member. Some major venues post maps of their interiors online.
When you feel that familiar urgency coming on, it can be difficult to stay calm, especially in an unfamiliar environment. But here’s the thing: Stress can exacerbate the problem, so it’s important to do all you can to quell your anxiety. Deep breathing is a simple technique that can put a quick end to stress and improve your symptoms.
If you’re attending an event with close friends, letting them know a little bit about your condition ahead of time can provide important support. Most people, including strangers, are very understanding when it comes to medical issues and sympathetic to the concerns you’re facing.
While you can’t completely eliminate the risk of having an emergency in the future, doing a little planning ahead of your outing can help.
A critical part of dealing with IBS emergencies is preparing yourself ahead of time. Before heading out, pack a bag with a water bottle and snacks you know you can tolerate. Take your medicine with you, too.
Packing flushable wipes, extra underwear, and hand sanitizer provides peace of mind. Throw in a wrap you can tie around your waist if you need to.
If you’ve had emergencies in the past, take time to think about what led up to the event. You might uncover some clues that can help you plan more effectively for future outings. Keeping a journal can help you identify potential IBS triggers.
IBS is a chronic medical condition, and, like other chronic issues, it requires a management plan to reduce your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life. Our team is skilled in developing IBS management plans focused on tips, techniques, and therapies that can provide you with relief and peace of mind.
Yes, it’s the name of a popular kids’ book, but it’s an appropriate reminder for adults, too. IBS emergencies can be embarrassing, but they’re not the end of the world. IBS is a medical condition, and accidents aren’t your fault.
To learn how we can help you manage your symptoms more effectively, book an appointment online or over the phone with Digestive Disease Specialists today.
