IBS & IBD. You can’t always trust your gut.
It’s more than an irritation. Or an inconvenience. Inflammation undersells it. When it comes to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), we’re here for you. Find a clinical trial today.
IBS & IBD Clinical Trials
One in five Australians develop IBS at some point in their lifetime. An estimated 100,000 Australians will suffer from IBD by 2020 – both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. IBS and IBD are chronic conditions, causing abdominal pain, cramping and urgent bowel movements.
Because of their bowels, people’s quality of life is reduced, their workforce productivity is impaired, and significant disability can result. There is no simple cure for IBS or IBD – but treatments and lifestyle changes can help reduce and alleviate symptoms.
Looking for how to help someone with IBS or IBD? At HealthMatch, we’re bringing forward tomorrow’s treatments. We have more than 18 trials available for IBS & IBD, including ones aimed at the molecular level such as biologic therapy and immunomodulators (aimed at managing the underlying pathological process of IBS and IBD).
"Life with IBS is unpredictable and stressful. All I know is that anywhere, anytime, I might need to find a bathroom very quickly." Sally*, 27
9%
of Australians are affected by irritable bowel syndrome¹
80,000
Australians live with inflammatory bowel disease²
800+
cases of ulcerative colitis are diagnosed each year in Australia³
Foundation
Crohn’s & Colitis Australia
Crohn’s & Colitis Australia (CCA) has been supporting Australians with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) for over 30 years. They provide support services, advice, and encouragement to people suffering from, and affected by, the condition.
Crohn’s & Colitis Australia advocates for world-class treatments and health services for those living with IBD. While doing so, they continue to invest in research for a cure.
CCA Support Services
To help make life more liveable for Australians living with IBD, there are multiple services and programs in place. These include monthly support groups; telephone helplines; online support; youth camps; quarterly magazines and toolkits.
Resources
My Fitness Pal
This website and app is a great way to manage and record the food you eat throughout the week. This is especially good for people with IBS, who can manage their condition with a low-FODMAP diet.
Poopmaster Pro
Poopmaster Pro is an app to log bowel movements. A man developed it following a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. It provides an easy, paper-free option for logging bowel movements, that can then be given to your doctor.
FAQ
What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?
IBS is a disorder of the gastrointestinal tract, affecting the colon or large bowel. It involves abdominal pain and bloating, and changes in bowel movement.
IBD is inflammation or destruction of the bowel wall. It is an autoimmune disorder. Types of IBD include Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
It is possible to have both IBD and IBS.
What are the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
The symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome are less severe than those of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Symptoms for IBS include abdominal pain; cramping or bloating that is relieved by passing wind or faeces; alternating diarrhoea and constipation; mucus in the stools and nausea.
During a flare of IBD, symptoms can include diarrhoea; severe or chronic abdominal cramping; loss of appetite; fatigue; fever; rectal bleeding; joint pain and more. During periods of remission, people may not experience any symptoms.
How do you treat IBS and IBD?
Preventative measures are primarily used for IBS. Dietary changes (increasing fibrous foods and reducing gas-producing foods), antibiotics, and medication that eases constipation or diarrhea are often prescribed.
For people with IBD, treatment varies based on severity. You can manage it effectively through the use of medications that control the abnormal inflammatory response. Medications are used in combination with supplements and diet.
Is there a cure for IBS and IBD?
There is currently no cure for IBS or IBD.
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a scientific study involving patient or non-patient (healthy) human volunteers. They help determine whether medicines are safe and effective to introduce as new treatments for a particular disease or condition.
How do I select a clinical trial?
HealthMatch matches you to clinical trials, in an easy-to-understand process.
After completing a medical questionnaire, our platform searches for and filters eligible trials for you. You’re able to view matches and apply for trials, on your trial dashboard.
We’ll put you in direct contact with the trial group once you’ve been accepted. We won’t stop searching until we’ve found you the right match.
Find Clinical Trials for IBS & IBD Today
1 NPS MedicineWise, Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome
2 Crohn's & Colitis, About Crohn's & colitis
3 healthdirect, Ulcerative colitis
* Names have been changed to protect identity