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 Reporter’s guides are an important tool as media, writers, and all individuals seek concise and accurate information about a disease. We invite you to reference these guides as you work to increase awareness and understanding about GI conditions.
If you are a reporter, writer or otherwise work in the media we invite you to download these guides designed to provide you with accurate information and to help you cover these digestive conditions.
Reporter’s Guide to Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Second Edition (PDF)
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.
This guide from IFFGD provides background information about IBS, frequently asked questions, glossary of medical terms, IBS resources, and suggested story angles plus reasons for writing about IBS.
Reporter’s Guide to Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
They are among the most prevalent of health conditions, causing considerable suffering, disability, and societal costs. This guide from IFFGD provides a comprehensive resource about these burdensome and often misunderstood conditions. The Guide provides:
- Background information about functional GI disorders
- Frequently asked questions
- A glossary of medical terms
- Resources
- A bibliography of key books
- Suggested story angles and reasons for writing about the conditions
In addition to referring to this informative guide, we also encourage you to suggest that your readers visit IFFGD’s website at www.IFFGD.org if they want to learn more about functional GI disorders, symptoms, and medical care.
Reporter’s Guide to Bowel Incontinence
Loss of bowel control, or incontinence, is a condition which is surprisingly widespread yet masked by silence. 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
In addition to referring to this informative guide, we also encourage you to suggest that your readers visit IFFGD’s website at www.aboutincontinence.org if they want to learn more about bowel incontinence, treatments, and medical care.
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.
