Irritable Bowel Syndrome Plush for Family, Friends, Professionals and Patients

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a very common, chronic gastrointestinal condition that affects an estimated 15% of the global population. In the USA alone, over 50 million people have IBS symptoms, including abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. IBS is a non-inflammatory, functional disorder, meaning the physical symptoms do not have any identifiable or known cause. People with IBS may show no clinical signs of disease and have normal test results, yet their pain and discomfort are very real.

Unlike inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which is an autoimmune disease causing inflammation that can lead to intestinal damage, bleeding, weight loss, and malnutrition, IBS does not cause inflammation of the digestive tract. While IBS and IBD share similar names and certain symptoms, they are distinct disorders.

The cause of IBS remains a mystery, but infection and the community of gut microbes are thought to play a role. When diet or antibiotics cause your healthy microbiome to shift to an unhealthy state, digestive disorders are more likely to occur. Depending on the main symptom, IBS patients are classified as either constipation-predominant, diarrhea-predominant, or pain-predominant.

While some people with severe symptoms may opt to take medication, many can manage their symptoms through dietary changes, stress reduction, and other lifestyle changes. This adorable plush representation of a Colon with irritable bowel syndrome provides a hands-on way to learn about this common chronic gastrointestinal condition and how it impacts you.

GIANTmicrobes IBS is soft, cuddly, and makes a memorable feel-better and get-well gift for loved ones. Give a soft touch and good feelings to those dealing with this chronic ailment. This unique gift is perfect for scientists, doctors, students, GI professionals, public health educators, and anyone with a healthy sense of humor.

The GIANTmicrobes IBS features detailed stitching, high-quality materials, and includes an educational printed card with fascinating facts about IBS. With its size of 5" x 5" x 1", it is a compact and charming way to raise awareness and understanding about this common and often debilitating condition.

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