There is no cure for IBS and no definite causal links between bacteria, genes, lifestyles and health effects. Yet most people eventually learn how to manage their conditions and improve their health. The Internet has emerged as a key source of information for over 65 per cent of sufferers, with much of the knowledge coming from social media and ads.
Researchers are actively looking into the ways internet support groups help sufferers. Most studies find support groups are among the most successful approaches to managing chronic conditions and rare diseases. In fact, the more the members of these groups share common IBS symptoms, the better the outcomes.
According to other studies, however, over 60% of IBS sufferers would be better off if they "ignored the ‘wacky’ advice flooding the Internet. An example: someone who tried unsuccessfully to relieve cramps and help constipation using a mixture of vinegar, ginger and egg. Interestingly, neither of those who commented on the article thought that the Internet was the problem: physicians could also provide insufficiently personalized advice.
"There are no quick fixes, just common sense," comments another observer. After all, it takes time and effort to find the right "them" who are just like "us" in hopes of getting the right advice.
References
Researchers are actively looking into the ways internet support groups help sufferers. Most studies find support groups are among the most successful approaches to managing chronic conditions and rare diseases. In fact, the more the members of these groups share common IBS symptoms, the better the outcomes.
According to other studies, however, over 60% of IBS sufferers would be better off if they "ignored the ‘wacky’ advice flooding the Internet. An example: someone who tried unsuccessfully to relieve cramps and help constipation using a mixture of vinegar, ginger and egg. Interestingly, neither of those who commented on the article thought that the Internet was the problem: physicians could also provide insufficiently personalized advice.
"There are no quick fixes, just common sense," comments another observer. After all, it takes time and effort to find the right "them" who are just like "us" in hopes of getting the right advice.
References
Ramadas A, Quek KF, Chan CK, Oldenburg B. Web-based interventions for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review of recent evidence. Int J Med Inform. 2011 Apr 8.
Vilhauer RP. 'Them' and 'us': The experiences of women with metastatic disease in mixed-stage versus stage-specific breast cancer support groups. Psychol Health. 2011 Jan 1:1-17.
Madan G, Stadler ME, Uhrich K, Reilly C, Drake AF. Adolescents with tracheostomies-Communications in cyberspace. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2011 Mar 14.
Springer A, Reck CA, Huber C, Horcher E. Online hypospadias support group data analysis. J Pediatr Surg. 2011 Mar;46(3):520-4.
Andersson G, Ljótsson B, Weise C. Internet-delivered treatment to promote health. Curr Opin Psychiatry. 2011 Mar;24(2):168-72.
