From Reuters:
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The findings from a large study indicate that patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are at increased risk for migraine, depression or fibromyalgia, a chronic condition of fatigue, muscle pain and other symptoms . . .
The current study, published in BMC Gastroenterology, involved more than 125,000 subjects and did include a reference group. The subjects were drawn from a large U.S. health plan and were seen for either IBS or routine medical care (the non-IBS group).
Compared with non-IBS patients, those with the condition were 60 percent more likely to also have any one of the three disorders, the report indicates. The elevated risks for depression, migraine, and fibromyalgia were 40 percent, 60 percent, and 80 percent, respectively.
The current findings support previous reports, which have promoted speculation that all four disorders share an underlying biological mechanism, the authors conclude.
SOURCE: BMC Gastroenterology, September 28, 2006.
Emphasis mine. Photo mine, and meant to be cheering.
I was diagnosed with colitis when I was in my twenties, and there is no doubt that when this acts up, all of my symptoms are worse. Much worse.
Anyone surprised by the results of this study?