Q&A: 37% of IBS patients surveyed say COVID-19 pandemic makes managing symptoms difficult
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Salix Pharmaceuticals recently released survey results in a report, Patient Perspectives: Living with IBS in a Pandemic, offering perspectives from adults with irritable bowel syndrome during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Healio Gastroenterology spoke with Howard Franklin, MD, MBA, chief medical officer at Salix Pharmaceuticals, about the survey results and the importance of communication between health care providers and their patients with IBS.
Healio: What were some of the key results from this IBS survey?
Franklin: More than one-third — almost 37% of IBS patients surveyed — reported that the COVID-19 pandemic has made it more challenging to manage their IBS symptoms. When we asked about specific symptoms, many respondents reported actual deterioration of the symptoms. According to the survey, 33% reported worsening of their diarrhea, 31% reported worsening of their constipation, 39% reported worsening of abdominal pain or discomfort, and the symptom that got the highest number unfortunately was bloating, 42% of patients reported worsening of bloating during the pandemic.
Healio: What needs to change with patient care to better help patients with IBS, especially during COVID?
Franklin: The survey highlights the importance of constant communication between HCPs and their IBS patients. If you look at the survey, 35% of the respondents have not discussed their symptoms or the disease with a health care provider at all since the pandemic began. This reinforces to us that communication between health care providers and IBS patients needs to improve.
Healio: Do you think things will change after the pandemic?
Franklin: I think they will, but no one knows for sure. The survey showed that respondents have concerns about post pandemic life, including lack of access to restrooms. Over half the patients are concerned about being able to reengage in society, for example, to attend social gathering; 48% of the respondents said that's the main concern. Our hope is that the report will inform health care providers of their IBS patients’ symptoms and behaviors since the pandemic began so they can work with their patients to support them as we transition to a post COVID life.
Healio: What advice would you give IBS patients trying to manage their symptoms during COVID?
Franklin: Communication is key. IBS patients need to reach out to their health care providers and schedule an appointment and, whether it's in person or virtual, share changes in their symptoms, voice their concern and discuss the appropriate care for their IBS moving forward.
Healio: Will you be using the survey for any future research or studies?
Franklin: Salix is dedicated to research, dedicated to helping patients with gastrointestinal problems. We are continuously looking at ways to support GI patients and the health care community. One thought is that a similar survey once the pandemic eases and IBS patients return to a more normal life might prove useful.
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