Irritable bowel syndrome is a complex and chronic, long-term gastrointestinal condition with a range of intermittent symptoms. Irritable bowel syndrome is considered to be a functional disorder, affecting the way either the intestines function, the sensitivity of the nerves controlling the intestines, or the way the brain interacts to coordinate the functions. No physical abnormalities are usually present within the gastrointestinal tract. The condition can be experienced in mild, moderate and severe forms.
Symptoms and characteristics
Common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome include:
- increased or decreased movement of the bowel causing either diarrhoea or constipation
- abdominal cramping or pain
- inadequate bowel emptying
- nausea
- increased gas production which may result in abdominal bloating
- mucous in stools.
Stress and anxiety may aggravate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in some people. In addition, certain foods, such as coffee or lactose within milk may also aggravate symptoms.
Workplace adjustments and solutions
In the workplace there are various factors that would assist persons with irritable bowel syndrome to better manage their symptoms, such as:
- organising easy access to bathroom facilities
- providing a workspace positioned away from other colleagues, if flatulence is an issue
- allowing sufficient work breaks for use of the bathroom
- if stress is a triggering factor, find ways to limit this through workload management.
There are adjustments and solutions for the following job requirements:
References
Better Health Channel 2011, Irritable bowel syndrome, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 17 December 2011, http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Irritable_bowel_syndrome?open.
IFFGD 2011, About Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, Inc. (IFFGD), Wisconsin, viewed 17 December 2011, http://www.aboutibs.org/.
MD Guidelines 1991-2011, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Reed Group Ltd, Colorado, viewed 17 December 2011, http://www.mdguidelines.com/.