What is IBS? Symptoms of the gut disorder and two surprising causes…

You may not have heard, but irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is on the rise. Over 10% of the population are currently battling with IBS and this percentage could get much higher in the long-term as more and more people are being diagnosed with stress – one main trigger of IBS. Not to mention that the nation’s dietary choices are generally still quite poor.

Other factors that can lead to IBS can include a combination of a number of issues such as: inflammation of your bowel – for example following an infection such as gastroenteritis, your genetic make-up – family members may have also had IBS, becoming more sensitive to pain from your gut and psychological problems such as stress or depression.

Although IBS unfortunately does not have an absolute cure, there are a number of over-the-counter treatment options that can ease symptoms for some sufferers and these include: Mebeverine, Buscopan IBS Relief and Colpermin.

Not sure if you might have IBS? You should always see your GP for a formal diagnosis and discuss how to go forward with the condition, but there are a common group of symptoms that people usually experience. Not everybody suffers all the same symptoms, some are varying in their severity, whilst different food, drink, or other factors can trigger symptoms off.

A prominent sign you have IBS is a recurring and discomforting pain in your abdomen – often in the lower area on the left side. Mild to severe stomach cramps is another common symptom which may subside with bowel movements. Sufferers may find their pain and symptoms flare-up after eating. For instance, some wheat or dairy are particularly bad culprits in this respect. Alternatively, some find their symptoms may be more severe in the evenings and women’s pain is often associated with their menstrual cycle. Moreover, a bloated, swollen abdomen is a frequent sign of IBS in women.

Be aware for changes in bowel habits – faeces may vary in its consistency, switching between frustrating bouts of constipation and diarrhoea, or you could find you are only able to pass small amounts of mucus. Other times, some people find they have a sudden need to empty their bowels or this process may even feel strained and following this, you might feel you have not fully emptied them.

Other IBS symptoms that may also occur are: loss of appetite, nausea, tiredness, backache, headache, belching, quickly feeling full after you have eaten food, heartburn, and bladder problems due to an associated irritable bladder.

This week American cardiothoracic surgeon and TV personality Dr Mehmet Oz offered some IBS advice for the millions and millions of people around the world who have the troublesome gut disorder.

He says: “If you get frequent cramping, bloating, constipation and even diarrhoea when you are stressed out, then it may be a sign of IBS — irritable bowel syndrome. One in five of us has it, and you are four times more likely to get it if you are a woman. Today, discover the surprising things that may be causing your IBS and what you can do to wipe it out of your system for good.”

According to critically acclaimed Dr Oz, IBS may flare-up from just two things that a lot of us probably consume on a daily basis. On his show, ‘The Dr Oz Show’, he explained to viewers that stress may not always be responsible IBS; but it could get a helping hand and worsened by some of the things in your diet. In particularly, two culprit triggers that can cause an irritable bowel are artificial sweeteners and chocolate.

Dr. Oz says that when we consume a lot of fizzy drinks and candy to try and manage stress or to boost energy levels, it can create an imbalance in our body which triggers a development of IBS. Understandably, Dr Oz’s advice is to reduce the amount of drinks you consume with these artificial sweeteners and cut down on the amount of chocolate you eat.

If that wasn’t good enough reason to cut down on fizzy drinks, it has been shown that just drinking as little as one fizzy drink each day can raise your risk of developing diabetes by 22%.

Gut Week begins as research shows potential IBS epidemic in the UK

National Gut Week began on Monday and will be running until the 25th August, and research carried out for the national digestive health awareness campaign shows that Britain’s hectic lifestyle habits are causing a significant increase in cases of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). So much so, that it is not just obesity that is seemingly set to be labelled as an ‘epidemic’.

It is estimated that IBS is suffered by 12 million Brits and is one of the most common causes for time off work – the average sufferer is off work for around 22 days each year due to a flare up of their symptoms, which include a variety of debilitating problems such as stomach cramps, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhoea.

To control IBS symptoms, health experts will often advise eating at evenly spaced out and set times each day. However, almost a quarter (24%) do not eat 3 equal sized meals each day and 10% are snacking on high-calorie unhealthy treats at least 3 times a day, according to research undertaken by One Poll among 2,000 adults across the UK from 3rd – 5th June 2013.

So what other findings did the research uncover for Gut Week?

. 23% of women most regularly snack on fruit, 23% of men prefer biscuits.

. Almost 20% of women feel stressed most days, compared to 10% of men.

. 10% eat breakfast in front of the computer, whilst over a third (35%) eat breakfast in front of the TV.

. 44% eat dinner in front of the TV.

From the data extracted it is clear that the demise of sitting around the table to eat is obvious with over a third now preferring to sit in front of the TV. The danger here is that people are probably eating more than they would normally as they’re too busy focusing on the programme in front of them and not on what they’re eating.

This is on top of the fact an alarming number of people are feeling stressed ‘most days’, it is hardly surprising the nation is facing a potential IBS epidemic.

Dr Nick Read, a gastroenterologist, commented: “It’s certainly worrying that a third of the people the research surveyed feel stressed and anxious most days. These feelings can activate the ­sympathetic nervous system which ­increases intestinal sensitivity and causes IBS spasms, bloating and indigestion. Eating while standing up or rushing around also sensitises the gut, making people less tolerant of the foods they eat. In short, this kind of lifestyle is a recipe for problems.”

It has long been known that women account for the majority of IBS cases, and in fact account for more than 70% of hospital admissions. This is because their hormones seem to make IBS worse and makes them more susceptible to the symptoms. Moreover, trying to balance life at home with that at work seems to be taking its toll.

“These days most women have to juggle a professional and family life,” says Dr Read. “This means rushing from one thing to the next and grabbing food on the go.”

Dr Marilyn Glenville, author of Natural Solutions to IBS, adds: “Many people with IBS discover their bowels seem to function as a kind of emotional barometer, indicating how they feel about what is going on in their lives. Tension always makes IBS worse and we are living in much more stressful times.”

However, you do not need to suffer in silence or think there is nothing you can do to control your symptoms. You can obtain a free ‘Gut Week pack’ today by either ordering it  or downloading it. The Gut Week pack is full of digestive health and advice from a range of experts.
Medical Specialists Pharmacy have also previously provided information on how to combat IBS and offer a number of medications to help control symptoms such as Mebeverine, Colpermin and Buscopan IBS Relief.

The Bill’s Ben Richards on ignoring the symptoms of his bowel cancer

British stage and television actor Ben Richards has spoken of his shock at being diagnosed with bowel cancer at just 39 years of age despite no family history of the disease and him having a healthy diet.

Bowel cancer is more common in the over-65s with 72% of diagnoses occurring in this age group. Obesity, alcohol, smoking and a diet high in red or processed meats are also other risk factors for developing what is the now the third most common type of cancer in the UK.

Ben, now 41, appeared in the ITV drama Footballers’ Wives back in 2004, playing the role of Bruno Milligan. He has since appeared in other television shows such as Holby City and The Bill, however has now returned to theatre work which he had been involved in prior to finding fame on TV.

Young and slender Ben has never struggled with his weight and the diagnosis stunned him after he chose to ignore the symptoms he was experiencing, stating he was a ‘typical man’ and was reluctant to speak to his doctor about ‘that part’ of his body. The actor had noticed his bowel movements had altered and there was a small amount of blood in his stools. Ben assumed it was internal piles and the change in bowel movements was because he had just finished travelling around India. Never for a moment did he consider he was suffering from anything as potentially-deadly as bowel cancer.

Ben, who has recently become ambassador for Bowel Cancer UK, says: “I was just a total bloke about the situation.  Like most men I didn’t want to even think about going to a doctor and it wasn’t until my then wife Helen nagged me that I eventually saw my GP.”

In January 2012, Ben finally decided to seek help and visited his GP, who subsequently urged Ben to immediately see a specialist upon hearing his symptoms.

By luck, Ben was able to schedule an appointment to see a private doctor on the very same day and was then booked in for a colonoscopy. This is where a thin, flexible tube with a camera attached (a colonoscope) is used to investigate the entire bowel.

Just one week later, Ben underwent his tests at the Harpenden Spire Private Hospital. Scans revealed a 6cm tumour in his bowel and he was given the news straight away that he had cancer.

He says: “I couldn’t quite compute what the doctor had told me. It was terrifying and cancer had always been something that happened to other people, not me. I had no family history of the disease either, so it never occurred to me that symptoms I had mistaken for IBS and piles could be something so serious. Surgeons were forced to remove almost half my bowel which was incredibly painful. The whole combination of treatments was a shock to the system and to be honest I felt awful.”

His recovery involved gruelling six-week cycles of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. After experiencing a few small complications along the way, Ben has fully recovered and currently in his fourth month of remission.

Although he describes feeling ‘better than ever’, he has learned valuable lessons and is now more careful in regards to his health. “I have always eaten healthily but now I’m extra careful. I don’t eat red meat and wheat and I’ve given up beer entirely – much as I miss it – because I just don’t want to take the risk of the cancer returning.”

As Ben highlighted, bowel cancer can be difficult to determine, with symptoms similar to less life-threatening conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome. If you experience unusual symptoms for longer than a few weeks, it is recommended you seek medical attention as soon as possible. Ben made a full recovery with a relatively earlier diagnosis, but persistent ignoring of symptoms can prove fatal.

Symptoms include: Blood in your faeces, the appearance of mucus in the faeces, inexplicable weight loss, persistent abdominal pain lasting longer than two weeks, severe constipation or diarrhoea lasting longer than two weeks and tiredness as a result of becoming anaemic from microscopic bleeding from the bowel.

If you have any of these symptoms, Medical Specialists Pharmacy advises that you see your GP immediately. In addition to the colonoscopy mentioned earlier, another test your GP may refer you to, is the ‘faecal occult bloods’ (FOBs) test. Here, many samples of your faeces are scanned for any possible microscopic amounts of blood lost from a tumour. If a diagnosis is made, a ‘Dukes’ staging’ is given to the cancer to determine how it is likely to progress or conclude which is the best course of treatment to go for the patient.

Disregarding digestive problems may lead to anaemia and osteoporosis

Are you one of the 12 million Brits who are suffering with the common traits of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? Bloating, trapped wind and diarrhoea are a few of the digestive complaints associated with IBS. However, if you do not believe you have IBS or have not been formally diagnosed with the gut condition, you should still not ignore these digestive problems that could be occurring on a regular basis as they may be a warning sign that something more serious is wrong.

The concern has emanated as a result of a study carried out by a2 Milk UK, a company who have released a specialised kind of milk across supermarkets such as Morrison’s and major Tesco stores in the UK. Normal cow’s milk contains various types of proteins and one of these is called ‘caseins’. The main types of the beta-casein fraction are a2 and a1, and the a1 protein has been linked to various symptoms similar to what a person would suffer with IBS. The a2 Milk however is extracted from certain British dairy cows, unique in the fact that they simply produce milk comprising of just the a2 protein.

The a2 Milk UK survey found that an incredible 84% of women will experience some degree of digestive pain or discomfort after they consume a particular food. Of this total, 46% claimed they simply self-medicated for short term relief from symptoms and 35% said they do nothing at all about their problems.

Amongst the reasons for deciding to take no action about gut complaints, women said they felt embarrassment about going to visit their doctor to discuss the issues they were experiencing, and others said that they felt the symptoms were not severe enough to seek help and treatment from a GP.
Unfortunately, choosing to neglect these symptoms over a period of time could prove damaging for someone’s health in the long term and result in the digestive system becoming inflamed.  The inflammation means that there could be difficulty for the digestive system to successfully take in nutrients from other foods, not just the problematic ones.

GMTV’s ‘Health Editor’ Dr Hilary Jones, reflected on the findings of the survey and he said: “When people’s bodies are not digesting crucial nutrients found in many foods – as is the case with symptoms such as diarrhoea and bloating – the risk of certain illnesses dramatically increases. While it may be tempting to self-medicate or hope the problem will go away, sufferers are not getting to the root of the problem.”

Dr Jones was interested in the fact that 28% of the women who were polled said that discomfort occurred after eating dairy. He added: “This issue is particularly key with dairy and milk intolerance as there are a range of reactions that people can have to milk. It’s not as simple as lactose intolerant or not. All too often people soldier on or cut milk out entirely when there are alternative options available. If in any doubt, talk to your GP – we aren’t scary I promise!”

Melanie Bibby, a2 Milk UK’s Nutrition Manager, added her opinions on the tricky subject of digestive discomfort. She said: “You really shouldn’t be getting any digestive discomfort after eating. But people think that it’s just the norm, especially if it’s been not quite right for a long time – they forget that it’s not how it should be. She advises that sufferers should monitor their problems from the use of a food diary, and also use a process of ‘trial and error’ with suspect foods. She continues: “But it’s very difficult to work out what you’re intolerant to. Many people have a problem with dairy but it’s hard to tell if you’re reacting to the lactose or to the milk proteins. Most people are intolerant to a particular protein found in milk called a1. Or you can react to the lactose. If it’s the lactose, switching to soya milk can help but if it’s the a1 protein, it won’t make any difference as soya contains similar proteins. A2 milk is normal milk, but it comes from dairy cows that naturally don’t produce the a1 protein; instead their milk contains a2, which is much better tolerated. I want people to know that there might be an alternative to cutting out dairy for them, because of course that can mean you miss out on very important nutrients too.”

Stomach troubles are a common complaint amongst Brits, including former Blue Peter presenter Zoe Salmon who recently spoke out on her own struggles.

If you do have IBS, why not browse around the ‘stomach and bowel’ area of the Medical Specialists website.  We offer an ever-growing range of effective medications such as Mebeverine and Buscopan IBS relief. In addition, the medication Lansoprazole can help with acid reflux problems that cause heartburn and complications with swallowing. All of these medicines are available right now at low prices, in addition to the new wonder treatment for IBS – Symprove. If you have not heard about the miracle that is Symprove then you need to get clued up about it immediately! We have even ran two separate features on this highly effective probiotic drink and now offer the 500ml mango and passion fruit flavour of Symprove, which can be purchased today from the Medical Specialists chemist shop, priced just £19.93.

Ex-Blue Peter presenter Zoe Salmon speaks on her 13-year fight with IBS

If you are suffering from the pain and discomfort caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you are not alone. All across the the UK, there are 12 million more people who are being caused misery by the inconvenient and sometimes distressing stomach condition. The most commonly experienced symptoms for sufferers include stomach cramps, bloating and diarrhoea or constipation, or sometimes even alternating bouts of both to varying severity. Every case of IBS can be different, but all cases are certainly bothersome for the person who has it and Medical Specialists Pharmacy is doing everything possible to help the millions who are suffering.

This is why we recently introduced the revolutionary non-dairy, gluten-free probiotic ‘Symprove’; a scientific revelation of a drink that contains billions of live bacteria than get to work immediately upon entering the body and are not destroyed during the digestion process like other probiotics.
Perhaps somebody could come forth and recommend Symprove to the former Blue Peter presenter and Dancing on Ice contestant Zoe Salmon. The 32-year old TV star has this week spoke of her agonising 13-year battle against IBS, documenting her struggles over the years and what foods she now has to avoid in order to prevent a possible outbreak of symptoms.

She says: “I was 19 and working as a shop assistant when I had my first attack and started to feel really unwell. My vision started to go blurry and I felt as if I was going to faint. My heart started to beat quickly and my whole body began to shake. Then I broke out in a sweat and I was hit by this awful wave of nausea. The pain was so severe it literally took my breath away. Since then I’ve had increasingly severe symptoms, including stomach cramps, headaches, nausea and sickness every six months or so. One area that is always uncomfortable is my stomach, which feels bloated nearly every day. I actually look pregnant because my belly hangs over my jeans. It made me feel self-conscious in front of boyfriends. I went to see my GP and was told it sounded like I could be allergic to monosodium glutamate. I was referred to a consultant gastroenterologist and they said it sounded like I had a wheat and sugar intolerance. To hear that was terrible because I have such a sweet tooth. But it made sense as my first attack at work had come after I’d had a sugary drink and chocolate. So the consultant told me to cut sugar out of my diet and to stop eating wheat. Now that I’ve cut them out, I feel better. I avoid the culprit foods, such as bread, pasta, white rice, crackers, biscuits and alcohol, so eat lots of fish, chicken and vegetables. I am not saying I am the healthiest person. I still like my takeaways, and my sweet tooth will never really go.”

Dr Ray Shidrawi, a gastroenterologist at The Wellington Hospital in North London, heard about Zoe’s comments and gave his thoughts on her struggles. He says over a fifth of us have experienced IBS at one time or another. He commented: “Zoe is not alone in suffering from IBS. In fact it is a very common condition. Classic symptoms include bloating, ­constipation or diarrhoea or alternating instances of both. Invariably, we find IBS is stress-related and stress therapy is an important part of the treatment. But first we need to exclude other conditions including infections, so we often ask for a blood test and a sigmoidoscopy, which is a minimally invasive examination using a thin tube attached to a small camera and light that is ­inserted into the rectum to examine the bowel. Essentially, a person with IBS has a bowel but it is more sensitive than usual. The priority is to regulate the bowel and not get bunged up. So initially that means a balance of dietary changes to introduce more fibre and it will often mean using laxatives, too. We often find that IBS sufferers have an ­undertone of depression, so often a psychologist can help a patient enormously. We can also use some drugs to help modulate the gut but this is a last resort.”

Zoe Salmon is not the only celebrity though who is suffering from IBS, or has suffered with it at some point. There are many other people in the spotlight who have also had the common symptoms of IBS, and shows celebrities are just like the rest of us and not ‘superhuman’. They include:

. Tyra Banks (U.S. model and talk show host)

Tyra Banks surprised her audience back in 2006 when she revealed to her guest Janet Jackson that she has IBS, admitting she is ‘very gassy’.

. Jenny McCarthy (U.S. model and actress)

Jim Carrey’s former girlfriend Jenny McCarthy brazenly admitted to suffering with ‘chronic diarrhoea’ and various other IBS symptoms within her autobiography Jen-X: Jenny McCarthy’s Open Book.

. John F. Kennedy (Former U.S. president)

A 2002 review of the former President’s medical records, found an interesting revelation; it appeared he had suffered with bowel complaints and suspected IBS. Kennedy was prescribed antidiarrheal drugs to provide relief, as well as being administered testosterone to help his weight and strength.

. Camille Grammer (Former wife of actor Kelsey Grammer)

The Real Housewives of Beverley Hills star is often vocal about her battle with IBS, first developing the stomach condition in 1997. Whilst still married to Kelsey, she explained about her problems, saying: “I am always fearful that my IBS symptoms will return at any moment, so I always have to know where the nearest restroom is. I’m afraid that eating will result in stomach pain. Travelling is difficult. And IBS often makes even a simple evening out with my husband, to enjoy a concert or movie, seem impossible.”

The fact there are famous faces who have spoken out on their gut problems shows that these kinds of issues are indeed very common and certainly nothing to be ashamed about. If you are experiencing any kind of stomach complaint, it is vital you consult your GP immediately, who will then ask you detailed questions and refer you for further scans if necessary.

If it is IBS you have, then this can be treated with a wide range of effective medications such as Mebeverine and Buscopan IBS relief. In addition, the medication Lansoprazole can help with acid reflux problems that cause heartburn and complications with swallowing. All of these medicines are available at low prices from the ‘Stomach and Bowel’ section of the Medical Specialists Pharmacy website in addition to the new wonder treatment for IBS – Symprove. The 500ml mango and passion fruit flavour of Symprove can be purchased today without a prescription from Medical Specialists, priced just £19.93.

Radical new Symprove drink could help millions win the fight against IBS

Today we at Medical Specialists Pharmacy are thoroughly delighted to offer a brand new, revolutionary treatment option for the estimated 12 million people in the UK who are caused misery by the painful and inconvenient stomach condition, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Some of the most common symptoms for sufferers include highly discomforting stomach cramps, bloating and diarrhoea or constipation, or sometimes even bouts of both.

The IBS treatment in question is a non-dairy, gluten-free probiotic food supplement produced by Symprove Ltd, named simply ‘Symprove’. Those with sharp memories will recall that we first mentioned about this fantastic IBS treatment way back in May. In fact, its effectiveness at combating the common stomach and bowel complaint is so exceptional that even national media has picked up on Symprove, subsequently being featured in newspapers such as the Daily Mail, the Daily Mirror, as well as HELLO! magazine.

Therefore the opportunity to offer our patients this brilliant solution to help with IBS was one we could not refuse, and proudly working together with Symprove Ltd, we now have the delicious 500ml mango and passion fruit flavoured version in stock and available from the Medical Specialists chemist shop for the low price of £19.93.

So, what exactly is Symprove you may wonder, and how does it work? Well, it is a water-based barley drink that is taken once daily – ideally prior to breakfast. With every batch produced being independently tested to ensure the highest standard of quality, each 50ml serving contains approximately 10 billion live bacteria.

However, here is where it gets interesting; Symprove’s 4 species of live bacterial cultures (L. rhamnosus, planatarum, acidophilus and E. faeciumbacteria), are fully alive and activated from the moment Symprove is swallowed. What sets Symprove apart is the fact that unlike other everyday probiotic products, the probiotics within Symprove manage to reach the gut and get to work in a mere 20 minutes without triggering the digestion process.  This may sound strange and something you would expect and want to happen. However with other probiotics, digestion results in stomach acid and bile salts being released in order to break down food. The stomach acid means that probiotic bacteria struggle to survive in this environment and any that do, will be ineffective inside the gut.

Symprove is successful at travelling straight through the stomach without triggering digestion, meaning its probiotics are able to reach the gut and then establish a more healthy balance of  ‘normal bacteria’. It is the existence of ‘bad’ pathogenic bacteria that initially causes digestive and other problems. Symprove’s revolutionary method of fighting the symptoms of IBS means that the bacteria are not freeze-dried like many other products out there. Basically with its ‘Unique Delivery System’, the bacteria are ready to start working from the moment they pass your lips!

At Medical Specialists we fully understand that IBS can be a deeply distressing condition to live with, especially when trying to manage it whilst at your job. Many underestimate the psychological impact that IBS can have from trying to cope with the pain and discomfort. It is even thought that three out of every four people who suffer from it, will have at least one bout of depression, with half experiencing some varying degree of anxiety. You should not let it control your quality of life though, and with appropriate treatment you can live a normal and happy life. In addition to Symprove, there are other available options to help with the symptoms of IBS such as Buscopan IBS relief, Imodium and Mebeverine. All are available from the stomach and bowel area of the Medical Specialists website.

Gutted with IBS at work? Don’t be…

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition of the digestive system that nearly all of us will have heard of in conversation. In fact, there is a probably good chance that you know somebody who is suffering from it. The symptoms include bloating, stomach cramps, constipation and diarrhoea. Unfortunately for the 12 million Brits affected by IBS, the symptoms usually strike intermittently, sometimes at the most inconvenient of times and can massively impact the day to day lives for sufferers.

One of major these impacts is the workplace. For somebody who is lucky enough to be blessed with a healthy-working digestive system, it may be difficult to fully appreciate the stress than can be caused by IBS or empathise with that work colleague who had to rush home because of a flare-up of their symptoms.

If the average person awakes in the morning to severe pain in their stomach, they can simply ring in sick to their employer and just return to work after a few days when the problems have begun to subside and they are feeling better. Imagine though having to wake up every single day to chronic abdominal cramps and unpredictable bowel movements, and this is before you have even arrived to work!

Even the commute to work would be stressful enough, panicking about if or when the symptoms could hit you again and your precise proximity to the closest toilet. Simply put: calling in sick each day is not a viable option. With Brits feeling the full force of the recession, many of us are forcing ourselves into work regardless of illness and this applies to those with IBS too. There are bills to be paid, mortgages hanging over us, and statutory sick pay just will not suffice.

In an ideal world for anybody who has IBS, they would be permitted to have their own private workspace and interminable access to their own luxurious bathroom area, without interruptions from others. As this isn’t always feasible, suffering with IBS in the workplace can create huge amounts of stress for those with the condition, which in itself can worsen symptoms as stress is one of the primary causes for IBS. If you are also stuck in a job you dislike or have a boss who is unsympathetic to your situation, this is not going to help matters either.

There are a wide range of problems and situations that could present themselves to IBS sufferers in regards to the workplace.  In severe cases, it is not uncommon for some people to experience three to five bowel movements before they have even left the house, often leaving them running late for work. On top of this, if you happen to work in a quiet office, the last thing you want to hear is a gurgling sound being emitted from your stomach due to the circulation of trapped wind. 

Having to try and cope with dealing with an unpredictable bowel can leave many people miserable at work. As any good Manager will be aware of; an unhappy employee will ultimately result in an unproductive employee. Moreover, trying to concentrate on a work task can seem an impossible mission when you need to get up to go to the toilet and then being required to quietly sit through meetings or presentations can be torturous.

Statistics to have been released into the public domain in recent years go a huge way in demonstrating how underestimated the seriousness is of IBS in the workplace, the demographic of sufferers and the financial burden it can place on the NHS and society in general.

It is estimated that certain complicated IBS tests at hospitals can drain the NHS of £3,000 for each examination, and it’s not always a foregone conclusion that doctors can get to the root of the problems or offer adequate treatment. It would appear than men are getting off lightly, with women accounting for 70% of the 5,000 IBS-related hospital admissions during 2011 in England. In total, women aged between 40 and 44 comprised of these 5,000 visits. Along with back pain, symptoms connected to IBS are among the most common reasons for time off work and it is costing employers and the NHS millions each year.

What can be done though? If you are suffering from IBS, you can make many small changes today that can have major benefits to coping in the workplace and prevent it from interfering with your job. One of the most important things you should immediately try to do at work is speak to your employer. They will probably be sympathetic if you explain your predicament to them and may be even able to provide a workspace slightly away from colleagues if flatulence is an issue, and also make sure you are seated nearby to the toilet facilities.

As mentioned previously, stress is one of the main causes for triggering IBS symptoms, and it should be minimised as much as possible. If workload is organised properly in an efficient manner, you will have a much better chance of meeting deadlines and not feeling overwhelmed. Another issue we touched upon earlier is dreaded long meetings or presentations. Do not feel afraid of speaking to your manager about this issue and then could even slightly alter your job role so that you are not required to attend them.

In regards to limiting your symptoms, try to maintain a regular schedule. Keep your body on an even keel by aiming for regular sleeping and eating patterns. Sticking to timed, small, low-fat meals can avoid unnecessary upset to your stomach. Pinpoint what foods may be causing your symptoms to flare-up or if you are unsure of the culprits, speak to your doctor and they can refer you to a dietician who may be able to identify the problem foods. Other things you can do include restricting tea and coffee to three cups a day as the caffeine may be problematic in some people, restrict your intake of fizzy drinks and aim to drink at least eight cups of water each day.

For the millions of IBS sufferers around the UK, we hope this guidance will provide you with more knowledge on how you can tackle your symptoms in the workplace. Nobody has to suffer in silence and by speaking out to those around you and sharing information, you can go on to enjoy work again and stop IBS from overcoming you.

Poor food labels blamed for stomach cancer caused by high salt intake

The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) has spoken out about the issue of salt content in foods, calling for all companies to label their products more clearly. This is in response to the increasing number of stomach cancer cases that have been linked to a high consumption of salt. High levels of salt are particularly prominent in popular foods such as bread, bacon, cheese, breakfast cereals, crisps and soup.

The recommended daily salt intake for adults is 6g, which is approximately around one full teaspoon. This figure is obviously less for children and babies, and the following are the general guidelines for salt intake depending on age:

. 1 to 3 years: 2g salt a day (0.8g sodium).
. 4 to 6 years: 3g salt a day (1.2g sodium).
. 7 to 10 years: 5g salt a day (2g sodium).
. 11 years and over: 6g salt a day (2.4g sodium).

The WCRF say that if adults strictly kept to this 6g limit, then this could help to reduce the 6,000 new cases of stomach cancer each year in the UK by 14% (around 800). Kate Mendoza, health of health information at the charity, says, “Stomach cancer is difficult to treat successfully because most cases are not caught until the disease is well-established. This places even greater emphasis on making lifestyle choices to prevent the disease occurring in the first place – such as cutting down on salt intake and eating more fruit and vegetables.”

She further continued, “Because around three-quarters of the salt we consume is already in processed food when we buy it, WCRF would like to see traffic light labelling on the front of food and drink packaging to give clear guidance on the levels of salt as well as sugar, fat and saturated fat. Standardised labelling among retailers and manufacturers – rather than the different voluntary systems currently in place – would help consumers make better informed and healthy choices.”

As Kate Mendoza explained, the difficult aspect of dealing with stomach cancer is that it is not usually diagnosed until the disease is at an advanced stage. Medical Specialists Pharmacy advises that you visit your doctor immediately for a check-up if you suffer from any of the following early symptoms of stomach cancer:

. Heartburn.
. Persistent indigestion.
. A bloated feeling after eating.
. Trapped wind and incessant burping.
. Feeling full very soon after beginning to eat.
. Difficulty in swallowing.

As you can see, many of the early-stage symptoms of stomach cancer are quite similar to those of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This is why it is vital to see your GP who will ask you detailed questions, and refer you for further scans if necessary. If it is IBS you have, then this can be treated with a wide range of effective medications such as Mebeverine and Buscopan IBS relief. In addition, there is also the medication Lansoprazole which can help with acid reflux problems that cause heartburn and complications with swallowing. All aforementioned medicines are available at low prices from the Stomach and Bowel section of the Medical Specialists Pharmacy website.

Dr Pixie McKenna gives her advice on ten common health problems

The 41-year old Irish medical expert Dr Pixie McKenna, has seen just about every kind of strange bodily problem and ailment during her four years on Embarrassing Illnesses and its sister series, Embarrassing Bodies. The focus of the programs is primarily to speak to people with a wide range of issues that they are uncomfortable discussing with their own GP.

This week Dr McKenna spoke out and explained ten of the most regular problems she gets quizzed about, and her advice on how to try and best tackle them. Here we give a run down on the ten common health issues:

1)      Flatulence

Also known as ‘passing wind’ or ‘farting’. Sometimes linked to a number of stomach and bowel conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, excessive flatulence can be distressful for the sufferer. Some people find medications such as Mebeverine can be effective in treating their symptoms.

Dr Pixie says: “Keep a food diary and correlate your ‘windy episodes’ with your food intake. Foods with sulphides, like eggs, are a big issue for people. You should also try to eat slowly. You can trap a lot of air when you eat and that creates a lot of gas. If your flatulence is really bad, see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.”

2)      Bad breath

This is also known as ‘halitosis’ and it is thought that persistent bad breath affects up to 50% of us. Dentists can usually give good advice on better oral health and may refer you for further tests if the problem persists.

Dr Pixie says: “Everyone should brush their teeth for two minutes a day and floss. Food can get jammed in between your teeth and you need to remove it. If you smell the floss afterwards, it stinks! Also, invest in an electric toothbrush. It’s like using a Dyson versus a broom to clean your mouth.”

3)      Painful sex

Often thought that this just affects women, surprisingly the problem can affect both sexes.  For women, when the pain is located in the vagina, this is most commonly due to sexually transmitted infection such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea or genital herpes. Pains deep in the pelvis could be because of pelvic inflammatory disease, irritable bowel syndrome or endometriosis (when womb lining grows outside the womb). Men’s problems are typically due to tight foreskins, inflammation of the prostate gland, or because of sexually transmitted infection.

Dr Pixie says: “There can be other gynaecological reasons for painful sex – it could be down to a fibroid or cervical polyp. Or there could be a ­psychological element. But by not actively exploring your symptoms further you could be missing a significant diagnosis. The other easily treatable common condition is chlamydia, which has no symptoms.”

4)      Snoring

It is estimated that 40% of people in England snore, so the problem is very common. Health professionals usually grade a person’s snoring problems on a scale of 1 to 3. Grade 1 is where snoring is not regular and breathing is unaffected. Grade 2 snoring is usually occasions of more than three days a week with mild breathing difficulties. Grade 3 sufferers are usually diagnosed with ‘obstructive sleep apnoea’, where the airways become partly or completely blocked for about 10 seconds.

Dr Pixie says: “Snoring can be caused by having very large tonsils or a floppy larynx. When you lie down, the muscles that keep your airways open relax and become limp, causing the airways to narrow and vibrate more. Sleep apnoea can be brought on by weight gain but a CPAP machine, a little device you wear at night, which makes the airwaves stay open, can help.”

Nasal blockage or swelling of the nasal passage can lead to snoring, as the person often opens their mouth to try and breathe better, which leads to snoring. Regular use of a nasal spray such as Nasonex and the taking of an anti-histamine tablet such as Loratadine can relieve these symptoms.

5)      Stretch marks

Stretch marks are common and either sex can get them, but are more frequently seen in nearly all women (9/10) during pregnancy. The abdomen, thighs and buttocks and thighs are the areas usually affected.

Dr Pixie says: “Laser treatment is not available on the NHS but your GP can refer you to the Red Cross, which provides a skin camouflage make-up service. They match your skin tone, and your GP can then prescribe that cream on an NHS prescription. Then, when you go on holiday and you want to cover the stretch marks on your body, you have something to camouflage them with.”

6)      Erectile dysfunction

Also known as male impotence, this is a very common problem amongst men and is thought that four in 10 men over the age of 40 years old suffer from it. Erectile dysfunction (ED) can sometimes have a detrimental impact on a man’s self-esteem and cause stress to his health and the relationship with his partner. Erectile Dysfunction therapy is very effective and the three medications available to treat ED are Viagra, Cialis and Levitra.

Dr Pixie says: “Any man suffering from erectile dysfunction should see their GP and have a blood pressure check and their blood tested for things like diabetes and high cholesterol. If you are on medication, like anti-depressants or blood pressure medication, that may be causing the problem. See a counsellor if stress is the reason.”

7)      Acne

Acne is especially common in teenagers and young adults. Estimates say 80% of people between the ages of 11 and 30 will be affected by acne. Sometimes acne can continue into adult life. About 5% of women and 1% of men over the age of 25 suffer from acne. In severe cases, medication such as Dianette has been shown to help combat the problem.

Dr Pixie says: “Women should go to their GP for antibiotics or the contraceptive pill, or they can see a gynaecologist. Men can also get antibiotics and for adults who have rosacea (a skin condition that causes facial redness and spots), this can be cleared with antibiotic treatment.”

8)      Obesity

To be classified as being ‘obese’, you must have a body mass index of 30 or more. As more people as generally less physically active than years gone by, and we are over indulging on fast foods, the problem has become massive. In 2008 (the last year with available figures), it was found that nearly quarter of adults (over 16 years of age) in England were obese.

Dr Pixie says: “The majority of those overweight are that way because of a combination of lifestyle and lack of exercise. They often say they are too busy to go running or to go to the gym. But I say to them, “If Barack Obama can always find time to go jogging then you certainly can.” We watch 22 hours of television a week on average so there is no excuse.”

9)      Bunions

A bunion is a deformity of the base joint of the big toe, usually appearing as a lump. They can be incredibly painful, and effect a person’s walking. The skin over the lump can become red, blistered or infected. Wearing appropriate shoes and taking painkillers may lessen the symptoms to some degree, but surgery is usually required to correct the problem.

Dr Pixie says: “If you don’t treat bunions as you get older, you can get arthritis in them and run the risk of becoming immobile. So try not to get them in the first place. If they get bad, surgical removal is the only alternative but a podiatrist would be the best person to ask about your options. They would look at your gait, how you walk, advise you on what shoes to wear and also give you a special device to put in your footwear, which takes the pressure off the bunion.”

10)   Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is the unintentional passing of urine. It is believed to affect more than 50 million people in developed nations. It is particularly a big problem amongst women over the age of 40, with some believing it to be even more common than hay fever. It affects men too though, with products now available such as Tena for Men, which can provide a discreet method of protection with a variety of absorption levels.

Dr Pixie says: “I would definitely go and see your GP. Usually, incontinence is a physical problem and not normally neurological. But you do need to check that it’s not MS or something more serious. I would suggest bringing along a diary to your GP to show how many times a day you pee and how many accidents you have because it is far easier for them to see how it is impacting on daily life. They might suggest pelvic floor muscle training, bladder training or reducing your caffeine intake.”

Medical Specialists always recommend that you talk to your GP about any health problems or issues. It is always advisable to have regular check-ups with your GP and know how to check certain parts of your body yourself. Medical Specialists realise that not everybody is happy taking to their GP about every problem, and that is why we offer a discreet and confidential online consultation service with our Doctors for certain embarrassing conditions like Erectile Dysfunction, Premature Ejaculation, Obesity, Stomach and Bowel (IBS etc), bladder problems (incontinence), Acne, Asthma and many more problems.

You can be assured of a private and confidential online consultation with one of our Doctors and if suitable, they will write you a prescription which is passed to our in-house Pharmacists, and dispensed and sent to you at your home, your place of work, or where ever you choose, discreetly within 24 hours.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common long-term digestive conditions in the world. It can develop at any age but the most sufferers will first start to develop symptoms between the ages of 15 and 40. It is estimated there are a staggering 12 million people in the UK alone who are suffering from the stomach condition. Most GPs, on a general rule of thumb, will first operate on the ‘ABC’ of symptoms for diagnosis. This includes abdominal cramps, bloating and change in bowel movements (such as constipation, diarrhoea or even both). After this, your GP will probably further ask you about things such how often you typically need to go to the toilet or what can make your symptoms better or worse.

For those under the age of 50 and experience the usual typical symptoms it is very unlikely you will be referred to a hospital for further tests, this would only happen in severe cases whereby your GP may think you have a possible serious underlying condition. It is thought that IBS can be caused by many different reasons, but certain factors are known to worsen the symptoms. These include:

. Food and drink intolerances. The most common culprits include wheat, dairy, caffeinated beverages and chocolate.

. Stress or anxiety issues. Problems at work, a family bereavement, relationship difficulties, etc. will probably make your IBS symptoms worse. Some people keep a stress/anxiety diary to monitor their feelings and prepare for when elevated stress might be imminent.

. Certain drugs are known to trigger symptoms. These include antibiotics, anti-depressants and anything which may contain sorbitol such as cough syrup.

With all that in mind, you may be pleased to know that doctors are now claiming that the probiotic drink ‘Symprove’ is highly effective at relieving bloating and stomach pain in IBS sufferers. Symprove is currently able to be purchased online and from within certain stores of Tesco. The recommended daily dose of the drink equates to £2 per day, which you could save by cutting down on things such as cups of coffee, sausage butties and anything else which can trigger IBS.

In a study sponsored by King’s College Hospital in London, 186 people with moderate to severe IBS and aged between 18 and 65 were analyzed. For a testing period of 12 weeks, Symprove was given to two thirds of the subjects and the rest were given a placebo instead. Results suggested that the probiotic drink was effective in aiding constipation and diarrhoea and by the end of the study a lot of people commented that they were feeling less stomach pain and discomfort, and this continued even a month after the completion of the trial.

Professor Ingvar Bjarnason, who led the study, commented, “The Symprove trial is a real breakthrough for IBS sufferers.” At Medical Specialists Pharmacy, we are currently analysing the massive range of products for IBS sufferers with a view to expanding our evergrowing span of medications and chemist shop items, and we hope to offer effective solutions very soon, so keep checking our website regularly for more updates. Lansoprazole is just one of the IBS products which will soon be available to new and existing patients. In the meantime, feel free to browse around our website for help with other such common problems like male and female hair loss, impotence, help with quitting smoking, lowering cholesterol and much more.