Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

If you suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (also known as IBS), you’re not alone, as an estimated 5 million Canadians suffer from it, while an estimate 120,000 Canadians are diagnosed with IBS each year, therefore making it one of the more common disorders of the digestive system. In fact, Canada is said to have one of the highest diagnosis rates of IBS in the world.

Most individuals diagnosed with IBS are under the age of 50, though it can affect older adults as well. IBS affects everyone different. It can be a mild inconvenience for some, while for others it can be severely debilitating and have a negative impact on many aspects of their life – from emotional wellbeing, to the ability to socialize, as well as one’s professional life (i.e. work or school.) This is because symptoms of IBS can be unpredictable. One can develop diarrhea, while another may have constipation. These two symptoms may also often alternate. One of the most common symptoms that may be indicative of IBS is abdominal pain…particularly if that pain is relieved after a bowel movement. Symptoms of IBS are generally easily recognizable, so it is not a difficult condition to diagnose. In addition to the symptoms of IBS, it’s also not uncommon for individuals with IBS to also suffer from other chronic health conditions such as fibromyalgia, headaches, dyspepsia, chest pain, urinary or other gynecological symptoms, insomnia, anxiety and depression.

What causes IBS is unknown, though it’s suspected that it is a result of a disturbance in which the way the gut, brain, and nervous system interact with one another.

Along with paying attention to the symptoms in which the patient is experiencing, Dr. Ali Ghahary may also refer them for other diagnostic testing. These may include a blood test, stool test, colonoscopy, barium enema, and other miscellaneous tests – many of which are done to rule out any other gastrointestinal related problems other than IBS.

Once a patient has received a firm diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, it’s all about managing the symptoms. Because IBS is a chronic condition, it’s not something that can do away. There are, however, things you can to do relieve the discomfort and improve your quality of life. As abdominal pain is a common symptom associated with IBS, taking an antispasmodic or probiotic prior to meals may provide short-term relief of pain, especially after eating meals. If you suffer from constipation, taking a soluble fibre supplement may help – though in some cases you may also need to take a laxative. Alternatively, if you suffer from diarrhea, a medication known as loperamide will be beneficial. It’s also a good idea to talk with your physician about changing your diet, as this can also help with gas and bloating, both of which are also common in patients with IBS. 

For more information on IBS, visit AboutIBS.org.

Hazards in the Workplace

Regardless of your job title, almost every position comes with potential workplace health hazards. Chemical, ergonomic, biological, physical and psychosocial are some of the most common occupational hazards that all workers should watch out for. Below, Dr. Ali Ghahary shares a more in-depth look at these hazards and what to do in the event that you experience a workplace related injury or illness.

Chemical Hazards

Almost every workplace has chemicals – cleaning products, in particular. However, chemical hazards can also come from things like gums our vapors as a result of wielding, gases such as propane and carbon monoxide, other flammable materials, and even pesticides. Some of these chemicals are considered safer than others and may not result in any serious harm to your health – however, in other cases, workers may be sensitive to these chemicals and can develop things like skin irritation and breathing problems. Carbon monoxide, in particular, can be extremely harmful and may even result in death if you are exposed to high levels.

Ergonomic Hazards

These hazards occur whenever there is any kind of strain put on your body. For example, lifting heavy objects, doing construction work, sitting or standing for extended periods of time, having poor posture, slips, trips or falls, and repeated movements (i.e. typing.) Even lighting that is too bright or too dim is considered an ergonomic hazard due to the impact it can have on your eyes and eyesight. Ergonomic hazards are much more difficult to spot than other hazards, as it may take a few days for any type of bodily straight to be noticeable.

Biological Hazards

As a family physician, biological hazards are something Dr. Ali Ghahary has to pay close attention to. Those who work in the medical field (such as in doctors offices, hospitals, laboratories, or as first responders) are much more susceptible to biological hazards. The types of biological hazards one can be exposed to includes blood and other bodily fluids, bacteria and viruses, mold, animal or bird droppings, insect bites, and even certain plants.

Physical Hazards

These are hazards that come from the environment – such as overexposure to sunlight/ultraviolet rays, ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, extreme temperatures (hot and cold), and loud noise.

Psychosocial Hazards

In recent years, psychosocial hazards have been a hot topic of conversation. A psychological hazards can include stress due to workplace demands, lack of flexibility, and not having room to improve or grow in your career. Psychosocial hazards can also include things like sexual harassment and bullying in the workplace.

For more information on workplace safety, visit the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety website at CCOHS.ca. British Columbians may also find useful information via the WorkSafe BC website at www.worksafebc.com.

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