IFFGD is dedicated to informing, assisting, and supporting people affected by gastrointestinal disorders. We have been working since 1991 to broaden understanding about gastrointestinal disorders and support research. These guides are an important tool as media, writers, and all individuals seek concise and accurate information about a disease. We invite you to refference these guides as you work to increase awareness and understanding about GI conditions.
Reporter’s Guide to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Working with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, IFFGD has sponsored several annual events on the U.S. National Health Observances Calendar. In 1998, we designated the week before Thanksgiving in November as GERD Awareness Week.
GERD is thought to affect an estimated 18 to 28% of Americans, making it the most prevalent gastrointestinal (GI) disorder in the country.
GERD is a condition where stomach contents flow back (reflux) into the esophagus causing troublesome symptoms and/or possible damage to the esophagus. Heartburn and/or regurgitation are common symptoms associated with GERD.
In this guide you will find:
- Background information about GERD
- Information the diagnosis and treatment of GERD
- Frequently asked questions
- A glossary of medical terms
- Suggested story angles and reasons for writing about GERD
Read the Reporter’s Guide to GERD
Download the Truth About GERD Infographic
Reporter’s Guide to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Working with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, IFFGD has sponsored several annual events on the U.S. National Health Observances Calendar. In 1997, we designated the month of April as Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month.
It may come as a surprise to you, since it’s often regarded as a trivial condition, but irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most burdensome chronic ailments being reported by patients in the United States today.
This guide is the second edition, updated in 2015.
In this guide you will find:
- Background information about IBS
- IBS resources
- Frequently asked questions
- A glossary of medical terms
- Suggested story angles and reasons for writing about IBS
Read the Reporter’s Guide to IBS
Reporter’s Guide to Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
Do you know which group of conditions affects two in fi ve Americans, causes considerable suffering and disability, and costs society over $30 billion annually?
While functional GI disorders are a highly prevalent group of persistent and recurring conditions, they remain largely hidden and misunderstood. These conditions can affect any part of the GI tract, from the esophagus to the stomach to the small and large intestines, and to the rectum.
In this guide, you will find:
- In-depth information about functional GI disorders
- Frequently asked questions
- A glossary of medical terms
- Resources
- A bibliography of key books
- Suggested story ideas and reasons for writing about the disorders
Read the Reporter’s Guide Functional GI Disorders
Reporter’s Guide to Bowel Incontinence
Few talk about it, so you may find it surprising that so many people live with incontinence. In fact bowel incontinence, the inability to control bowel movements, occurs in 6-10% or more of the general population. We will often refer to it simply as ‘incontinence’ throughout this publication.
Loss of bowel control, or incontinence, is a condition which is surprisingly widespread yet masked by silence. We developed the Reporter’s Guide to Bowel Incontinence to provide writers, those working in media outlets, and other interested parties with accurate information helpful in covering or understanding this condition.
The Guide provides:
- Background information about bowel incontinence and its effects on sufferers and society
- Frequently asked questions
- A glossary of medical terms
- Resource references
- Suggested story ideas and reasons for writing about bowel incontinence
Read the Reporter’s Guide to Bowel Incontinence
