Latest news with #IBS
Daily Mirror
7 minutes ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
DWP could issue £187 weekly payments if you have stomach problems
A successful claim for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can provide between £29.20 and £187.45 each week in extra financial support to help manage daily living and mobility requirements People across the country could be entitled to more than £187 a week to help manage conditions such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBS) and other stomach ailments. Yet many might not be aware. It's all to do with Personal Independence Payments (PIP). They could provide additional financial support to help manage the extra costs associated with a gastrointestinal health condition like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), hernia, constipation and Coeliac disease. The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that at the end of April, more than 36,300 people across Great Britain were claiming PIP for a gastrointestinal health condition. A successful claim for PIP can offer between £29.20 and £187.45 each week in extra financial support and as the benefit is paid every four weeks. This equates to between £116.80 and £749.80 each pay period. Here's a list of 25 gastrointestinal conditions that are supported through PIP to assist with either daily living, mobility needs or a combination of both components, reports the Daily Record. It's important to remember that PIP can support more than 500 health conditions, but the list is not exhaustive, so if you have a condition that isn't listed here, don't be put off from making a claim as there is also an 'unknown' category. Diseases of the small bowel Coeliac disease Small bowel - Other diseases of / type not known Inflammatory bowel disease Crohn's disease Ulcerative colitis Diseases of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum Hiatus hernia / gastroesophageal reflux disease / reflux oesophagitis Oesophageal varices Oesophagus, stomach and duodenum - Other diseases of / type not known Peptic ulcer (gastric and duodenal)/gastritis Diseases of the rectum and anus Anorectal abscess Fistula in anus Haemorrhoids Rectal prolapse Rectum/anus - Other diseases of / type not known Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) Benign tumours of the gastrointestinal tract Abdominal hernias Hernia Other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract Attention to artificial opening colostomy/ileostomy/ stoma - no underlying diagnosis Gastrointestinal tract - Other diseases of / type not known Diseases of the rectum and anus Anorectal abscess Fistula in anus Haemorrhoids Rectal prolapse Rectum/anus - Other diseases of / type not known Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) Benign tumours of the gastrointestinal tract Abdominal hernias Hernia Other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract Attention to artificial opening colostomy/ileostomy/ stoma - no underlying diagnosis Gastrointestinal tract - Other diseases of / type not known Congenital disorders of the GI tract Cleft lip Cleft lip with cleft palate Hirschsprung Disease Tracheo-oesophageal fistula/atresia Who is eligible for PIP? have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for 3 months expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 months You typically need to have resided in the UK for at least two of the past three years and be in the country when you apply. In addition to what we've detailed above, if you receive or require help with any of the following due to your condition, you should consider applying for PIP: engaging and communicating with other people reading and understanding written information planning a journey or following a route dressing and undressing preparing, cooking or eating food moving around washing, bathing or using the toilet making decisions about money managing your medication The DWP will evaluate how challenging you find daily living and mobility tasks. For each task they will examine: whether you can do it safely whether you need help to do it, from a person or using extra equipment how often your condition affects this activity how long it takes you How is PIP disbursed? PIP is typically disbursed every four weeks, with the exception of terminally ill individuals who receive weekly payments. These benefits are directly deposited into your bank, building society or credit union account. PIP payment rates An assessment is required to determine the level of financial assistance you qualify for, and this rate will be regularly reviewed to ensure you're receiving the appropriate support. Payments are made on a four-weekly basis. PIP is made up of two components: Daily living Mobility Whether you get one or both of these and how much depends on how severely your condition affects you. You will be paid the following amounts per week depending on your circumstances: Daily living Standard rate: £73.90 Enhanced rate: £110.40 Mobility Standard rate: £29.20 Enhanced rate: £77.05 How do you make a claim for PIP? You can make a new claim by contacting the DWP, you will find all the information you need to apply on the website here. Before you call, you will need: your doctor or health worker's name, address and telephone number dates and addresses for any time you've spent abroad, in a care home or hospital your bank or building society account number and sort code your contact details your National Insurance number - this is on letters about tax, pensions and benefits your date of birth
Medscape
4 hours ago
- Health
- Medscape
Social Media Reveals IBS Woes Missed by Clinics
TOPLINE: An analysis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-related posts on X reveals discussions spanning symptoms, dietary triggers, peer support, and mental health — suggesting that traditional healthcare settings may not fully meet patients' needs and underscoring the value of integrating social media insights into IBS care models. METHODOLOGY: Social media platforms like X are frequentlly used to share health experiences and provide patient-generated insights. Researchers analyzed 12,345 IBS-related posts on X (April 2006-August 2024), using search terms capable of capturing user experiences and concerns. The dataset was processed to retain relevant information from texts and emojis. Posts with fewer than three words were removed. Sentiment analysis (score range, -1 to +1) was applied to 8864 posts, which were classified as positive, neutral, or negative. Topic modeling was applied to 2532 posts with ≥ 50 words to identify core subjects and themes. TAKEAWAY: Sentiment was primarily neutral (45.9%), followed by positive (35.4%) and negative (18.7%), suggesting that users often shared advice or information rather than strong emotions. Sentiment remained relatively consistent over time, with fluctuations linked to major IBS-related milestones (eg, new diagnostic criteria, high-profile publications, awareness campaigns). Main post themes included physical symptoms (15.6%), diet/triggers (15.1%), social support (14.2%), comorbidities (12.2%), research and treatment (12.2%), quality of life (12.0%), awareness (11.5%), and mental health (7.2%). Posts on physical symptoms had the highest proportion of negative sentiment (32.4%), whereas social support post were the most positive (53.7%). Mental health and research/treatment posts were mostly neutral due to their educational or informational nature. Post contributors included self-identified IBS patients (61.3%), healthcare professionals (12.8%), organizations/advocacy groups (10.5%), and general commenters (15.4%). IN PRACTICE: 'Patients turn to social media primarily because of unmet informational needs regarding day-to-day symptom management (evidenced by the prevalence of dietary and trigger discussions) and desires for experiential validation that clinical encounters may not provide (demonstrated by the high engagement with personal narrative content),' the authors wrote. SOURCE: This study was led by Ravi Shankar and Alexander Wenjun Yip, Alexandra Hospital in Singapore. It was published online in Scientific Reports. LIMITATIONS: Data were limited to X and may not reflect the entire spectrum of online IBS discussions. Users not active in online discussions — especially older adults or those with limited digital literacy/access — may have been underrepresented. DISCLOSURES: This study did not receive any specific grant funding. The authors declared having no competing interests. This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.
Medscape
a day ago
- Health
- Medscape
Ovarian Cancer Risk Rises Soon After IBS Diagnosis
TOPLINE: Women with a new diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have a significantly higher risk for ovarian cancer at 3 months and 6 months post-diagnosis, but this risk is no longer elevated beyond 8 months. METHODOLOGY: Ovarian cancer often presents with nonspecific symptoms overlapping those of IBS. The frequency of misdiagnosis remains unknown, and not all IBS guidelines recommend screening for ovarian cancer. Researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study using US administrative claims data to compare ovarian cancer incidence in adult women with and without a new IBS diagnosis. Diagnostic codes were used to identify cases of IBS and ovarian cancer. TAKEAWAY: The cohort comprised 9804 women with IBS and 79,804 women without IBS, identified between January 2017 and December 2020. Women with IBS had a significantly higher risk for ovarian cancer at 3 months (hazard ratio [HR], 1.71; P = .02) and 6 months (HR, 1.43; P = .02), but not beyond 8 months post-diagnosis. Women with both IBS and endometriosis had an even greater risk for ovarian cancer at 3 months (HR, 4.20; P = .01), 6 months (HR, 3.52; P = .01), and after 1 year (HR, 2.67; P = .04). Increasing age was significantly associated with higher ovarian cancer incidence only in women younger than 50 years (HR, 1.07; P < .01), regardless of IBS status. IN PRACTICE: 'Identifying patient-specific risk factors, such as chronic pelvic pain or endometriosis, could help develop tailored risk profiles and improve the approach to personalized care in women with IBS-type symptoms,' the authors wrote. SOURCE: This study was led by Andrea Shin, Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, University of California, Los Angeles. It was published online in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics. LIMITATIONS: The use of diagnostic codes for identifying IBS may have led to misclassification or reflected symptoms rather than confirmed and validated diagnosis. DISCLOSURES: This study received support from the National Institutes of Health. Some authors reported serving as consultants, advisors, and/or receiving research support from pharmaceutical and healthcare companies; one author reported having stock options. This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
Persistent stomach pain? 12 serious health conditions every adult should know about
Persistent stomach pain means discomfort in your belly region that sticks around for weeks, months, or even longer. Unlike an occasional cramp or a brief stomachache, this pain doesn't fully go away and often comes and goes in a pattern, or it might gradually get worse. The abdomen holds a ton of important organs, your stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, kidneys, reproductive organs, and more, so pinpointing what's wrong can be tricky. Common and uncommon reasons why your stomach won't quit hurting According to Mayo Clinic, a major trusted US healthcare resource, abdominal pain causes stretch from the simple and harmless (like indigestion or muscle strain) to the complex and serious (such as cancer or organ disease). Studies in primary care settings show that about one in ten patients with abdominal pain actually have acute or urgent medical issues that need immediate attention. Here's an easy-to-scan breakdown of notable conditions that often underlie persistent abdominal pain: Digestive issues Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) IBS is like that annoying roommate who never leaves. It messes with your gut, especially the large intestine, causing cramping, bloating, gas, and unpredictable bathroom runs. There's no obvious damage in your intestines, but the pain and discomfort feel very real and very frequent. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) If you constantly feel like your lunch is trying to climb back up, GERD might be the culprit. It's when stomach acid flows the wrong way into your esophagus, leaving a burning feeling in your chest or throat. It's not just heartburn it can become a daily struggle if left untreated. Gastritis and peptic ulcers Your stomach lining isn't invincible. Inflammation (gastritis) or open sores (ulcers) can cause sharp or burning pain in your upper belly. Often caused by an H. pylori infection or too many painkillers like ibuprofen, these conditions also bring nausea, bloating, and that gnawing empty-stomach feeling. Celiac disease This autoimmune condition means your body goes to war with gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. Eat it, and you could end up with stomach pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and nutrient deficiencies. It's more than a trendy gluten-free diet; it's a serious medical issue. Inflammatory & infectious causes Diverticulitis Little pouches can form in your colon (called diverticula), and sometimes they get infected. When that happens, welcome to diverticulitis. It usually causes pain in the lower left side of your belly and might come with fever, nausea, and even constipation. Crohn's disease & ulcerative colitis Both are forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and they love to stir up trouble. Think chronic pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and sometimes weight loss. Crohn's can affect any part of the digestive tract, while ulcerative colitis sticks to the colon and rectum. Either way, it's a painful and ongoing battle. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) For women, lower abdominal pain could be caused by PID, a serious infection of the reproductive organs. It often stems from untreated STIs and can bring fever, unusual discharge, and pain during sex. If not treated early, it can lead to long-term issues like infertility. Structural & functional problems Gallstones These tiny troublemakers form in your gallbladder and can block the flow of bile. When that happens, you might get hit with sudden, intense pain in your upper right abdomen—pain that often shows up after a fatty meal and sticks around for hours. Kidney stones If you've ever felt like your body is trying to pass a jagged rock, that's a kidney stone. The pain usually starts in your back or side and radiates down to your lower belly or groin. It comes in waves and is often brutal. Hernias When an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in your abdominal wall, it's called a hernia. You might notice a bulge and feel pain when you cough, lift, or even laugh too hard. It's not just annoying—it can become serious if not treated. Serious conditions to watch for Cancer Ongoing belly pain that doesn't go away could point to something serious like cancer. Tumors in the pancreas, liver, or intestines often don't show symptoms early on, but when pain shows up, especially if it gets worse over time, it's time to see a doctor. Vascular problems Chronic mesenteric ischemia is a rare but serious condition where blood flow to your intestines gets restricted. You'll often feel cramping pain after eating because your digestive system isn't getting enough oxygen. It's sneaky but dangerous if missed. Appendicitis Starts as a dull ache around your belly button and then suddenly shifts to the lower right side—that's the classic sign of appendicitis. It can come with nausea, fever, and a sense that something's not right. It's a medical emergency, so don't wait it out. A 2014 systematic review published in Family Practice highlighted that about a third of abdominal pain cases have no definitive diagnosis after initial evaluation, underscoring the complexity and diagnostic challenge clinicians face. Still, the most common diagnoses among U.S. primary care patients presenting with abdominal pain were gastroenteritis (7-19%), irritable bowel syndrome (3-13%), urological causes like kidney infections or stones (5%), and gastritis (5%). More recent gastroenterology research emphasizes the need to consider less obvious causes like vascular diseases—for example, median arcuate ligament syndrome (a rare compression of an artery) and chronic mesenteric ischemia, both of which can cause persistent or recurrent abdominal pain. These are less common but can be overlooked, especially if a patient has risk factors like smoking, diabetes, or heart disease common in US populations. Why is it important to know this? In the US, where lifestyle factors such as high-fat diets, obesity, and sedentary living are prevalent, risks for digestive and vascular causes of abdominal pain may be higher. For instance, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which can cause liver pain, is on the rise and can lead to more serious liver damage if left unchecked. Similarly, obesity and diabetes increase risk for gallstones and vascular issues that cause chronic abdominal symptoms. If your abdominal pain is persistent, worsening, associated with symptoms like unintentional weight loss, vomiting, blood in stool or urine, jaundice (yellowing of eyes/skin), fever, or changes in bowel habits lasting more than a few weeks, seek medical help. These could be signs of serious underlying diseases needing prompt diagnosis and treatment. Primary care physicians often use a combination of detailed history, physical exams, lab tests, imaging (ultrasound, CT scans), and sometimes endoscopies to find the cause. They may refer you to gastroenterologists, surgeons, or other specialists for more advanced care. Lifestyle and prevention tips Though causes can be varied, there are some general tips for better gut and abdominal health: Eat a balanced diet rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables. Stay hydrated and exercise regularly. Limit excessive use of NSAIDs, alcohol, and smoking. Manage chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. Report new or persistent pain to a healthcare provider.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
MGB partners with Doka to advance IBS construction solutions
KUALA LUMPUR: MGB Berhad, the construction and property development arm of LBS Bina Group Bhd, has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) with Doka Formwork Malaysia Sdn Bhd to jointly develop innovative engineering solutions for projects using Industrialised Building System (IBS) precast concrete elements. Doka Formwork Malaysia, a subsidiary of global formwork and scaffolding leader Doka GmbH, brings expertise in optimised formwork systems, scaffolding solutions, engineering design, and technical support for cast-in-situ concrete—complementing MGB's strengths in IBS precast concrete, particularly for large-scale residential developments. Through the collaboration, both parties aim to enhance and integrate their respective technologies, combining formwork and scaffolding systems with on-site precast concrete components such as panels to streamline construction processes and improve efficiency. They will also explore new opportunities, align technical strategies, and implement forward-thinking construction solutions that deliver tangible performance improvements and long-term value. The MoC was formalised in the presence of key representatives from both companies, including MGB group executive chairman Tan Sri Ir. (Dr.) Lim Hock San, executive director and chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Lim Lit Chek, Doka GmbH CEO Robert Hauser, and Doka Malaysia country manager Teh Aun Kua. "By partnering with a global formwork leader like Doka, we are not only enhancing the quality and efficiency of our projects in Malaysia and Saudi Arabia but also reinforcing our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and international excellence. We believe this will lead to stronger project outcomes and long-term value for all stakeholders," Lim said in a statement. MGB noted that the partnership supports its ongoing efforts to digitise and optimise construction processes, which is in line with Malaysia's transition to a more modern and sustainable industry. The company's IBS technology has already helped reduce material wastage and improve resource control. In line with its ESG goals, MGB is also focused on upskilling its workforce—particularly in automation, design, and manufacturing—while continuing to lower its carbon footprint through sustainable practices.
