In 1997, the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) designated April as IBS Awareness Month on the U.S. National Health Observances calendar. The month is designed to bring attention to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of IBS, a common gastrointestinal problem that impacts an estimated 10-15 percent of the population worldwide.
What is IBS?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition that affects the large intestine, causing symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, gas and changes in bowel movements (diarrhea or constipation). According to the IFFGD, it can affect both children and adults of any gender. Approximately 20-40 percent of visits to a gastroenterologist are due to IBS symptoms. It is one of the most burdensome chronic ailments reported by patients, and IBS sufferers restrict their activities an average of 73 days out of the year.
More Than Just a Stomachache
The theme for IBS Awareness Month in 2025 is, “IBS: More Than Just a Stomachache,” and the IFFGD is encouraging people to use the hashtags #IBSAwarenessMonth and #MoreThanA Stomachache on social media. The slogan is designed to relay the message that the impact of IBS goes far beyond the physical symptoms.
“Many people don’t realize that IBS isn’t just about stomach pain,” says Ceciel T Rooker, President at IFFGD. “It affects mental health, self-confidence, and overall quality of life. Anxiety and stress can worsen IBS symptoms, creating a cycle that’s difficult to break.”
How can The Greenbrier Clinic help?
One of the first steps in managing IBS is getting it diagnosed. In a IFFGD survey, nearly 2,000 patients reported that they suffered from IBS symptoms for more than 6 years before being diagnosed. Dietary changes, lifestyle changes, medications and other treatments can lessen the impact of IBS, but these steps aren’t possible without a proper diagnosis.
That’s where The Greenbrier Clinic can help, with two practicing gastroenterologists as part of its caring team of providers.
Dr. Byrd Leavell, a University of Virginia graduate, is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Gastroenterology and is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology. He’s a past president of the Virginia Gastroenterological Society who has practiced medicine for more than 40 years and has been involved with The Greenbrier Clinic for more than 20.
Dr. Larry Clark is a graduate of the University of Florida and the Medical College of Georgia, who performed a Fellowship in Gastroenterology at the University of South Alabama. He is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Gastroenterology and is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology. Clark has been a national speaker on the topic of gastroenterology and has been a principal investigator in countless national clinical research trials.
These two accomplished providers can help patients identify and treat IBS, minimizing its impact on their daily lives. Call The Greenbrier Clinic at 800-362-7798 for additional information
To lean more about IBS Awareness Month, visit AboutIBS.org.