National charity launches brand new website

9th May 2016

A new online resource for people who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) has been launched to allow users to access information, support and advice more easily.

The IBS Network has unveiled its new mobile-friendly website, which will enable patients to get information or help on the go from their mobile phone or tablet. Users will be able to get information about the diagnosis of IBS and the causes and triggers of the key symptoms. In addition, they can access professional advice about diet, and lifestyle modification, stress reduction, medicines and therapies in The IBS Self Care Programme, as well as information about the charity and how it can help them. Those who sign up as members of The IBS Network will have access to exclusive content, including access to specialist healthcare professionals for medical advice and a symptom tracker, which allows people to record how their IBS responds to the changes in their life, diet or medication/therapy. Members will also be able to join an exclusive online forum to talk to other IBS patients, as well as accessing the charity's medical helpline and their own copy of Gut Reaction, the charity's quarterly magazine. Alison Reid, chief executive officer at Sheffield-based The IBS Network, said: -We are very excited to have launched our brand new website and believe it will be of huge benefit to patients living with IBS. -IBS is a condition that affects everyone differently, once someone understands their triggers they can learn to manage their symptoms themselves and make lifestyle or diet changes that can help them better. -We wanted to create a platform that would act as a go-to point for IBS patients where they can have access to all the information, support and advice that they require in one place to help them facilitate self-care. IBS is the name given to a long-term gastrointestinal condition, characterised by a combination of otherwise unexplained symptoms that affect the colon or large intestine. These include abdominal pain and spasms, often relieved by going to the toilet, diarrhoea, constipation or an erratic bowel habit, as well as bloating or swelling of the abdomen. It affects around a third of the population at some point in their lives and about one in ten people suffer symptoms severe enough to seek help from their GP. To access the new website, visit www.theibsnetwork.org.