Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. IBS can significantly impact quality of life and ability to work. Many people with IBS wonder if they can maintain full time employment. The good news is that with proper treatment and lifestyle adjustments, most people with IBS can work full time jobs.
What is IBS?
IBS is classified as a functional gastrointestinal disorder. This means that while there are no structural abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract, there is a problem with how the GI tract functions. The exact causes of IBS are unknown, but factors like genetics, diet, stress, anxiety, intestinal infection, and changes in gut bacteria are all thought to play a role.
There are three main types of IBS:
- IBS with constipation (IBS-C)
- IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D)
- IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M)
Symptoms of IBS often flare up and subside periodically. Stress is one of the most common triggers for IBS flare ups. Travel, diet, hormonal changes, and illness can also worsen symptoms.
An estimated 10-15% of people worldwide suffer from IBS. It is twice as common in women as men. IBS symptoms often begin in early adulthood. There is no cure for IBS, but symptoms can be managed with medications, diet changes, probiotics, stress management, and other therapies.
Challenges of Working with IBS
IBS can present some unique challenges in the workplace. Here are some of the most common issues that people with IBS face at work:
Unpredictable symptoms
One of the hallmarks of IBS is that symptoms tend to come and go. You may experience a flare up out of nowhere, making it difficult to stick to a work schedule. Symptoms like painful abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and urgency to use the bathroom can disrupt your work day.
Frequent bathroom trips
Some people with IBS need to use the bathroom frequently when symptoms flare up. Needing to take many unscheduled bathroom breaks can diminish productivity. It can also be embarrassing if coworkers notice your frequent trips to the restroom.
Pain and discomfort
IBS abdominal pain ranges from mild discomfort to severe cramping. Working through intense pain and discomfort can be tremendously difficult.
Fatigue
The pain, diarrhea, and sleep disruptions caused by IBS can leave you feeling tired and run down. Fatigue can greatly decrease your focus, concentration, and motivation at work.
Anxiety about symptoms
Many people with IBS experience anxiety about having an attack of symptoms while at work. Anxiety can make IBS symptoms even worse.
Difficulty traveling for work
Travel is often a required part of many jobs. People with IBS may struggle with traveling for work if their symptoms are provoked by unfamiliar foods, disruptions in routine, stress, or other travel-related triggers.
Tips for Working with IBS
While IBS can create some obstacles, there are many things you can do to minimize the impact IBS has on your work life:
Find your triggers
Keeping a food and symptom diary can help you identify your biggest IBS triggers. Once you know what foods, drinks, activities, or stressors provoke your IBS, you can take steps to avoid those triggers when possible at work.
Stick to a schedule
Having a consistent daily routine for meals, work, sleep, and exercise can help prevent IBS flare ups. Avoid skipping meals or eating on the run, which can worsen symptoms. Get enough sleep and try to manage stress with relaxation techniques.
Talk to your employer
Let your employer know you have IBS so accommodations can be made if necessary. Your employer is legally required to provide reasonable accommodations for medical conditions under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Accommodations may include flexible start times, extended breaks, and working from home options.
Manage stress
Stress is a huge trigger for IBS flare ups. Use stress management skills like meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, and cognitive behavioral therapy to control anxiety. Make time for hobbies and self-care. Consider a job with less pressure if your role is highly stressful.
Dress comfortably
Wear loose, comfortable clothing to work that won’t put pressure on your abdomen. Tight waistbands and control top pantyhose can worsen IBS symptoms.
Use the restroom proactively
Keep IBS symptoms discreet at work by using the restroom as soon as you feel an attack coming on, rather than waiting until you have an emergency.
Try OTC medications
Over-the-counter medications like Pepto-Bismol, Imodium, and antispasmodics can help control diarrhea, constipation, and pain during the workday. Consult your doctor about using these responsibly.
Seek counseling
A therapist can help you handle the anxiety, depression, embarrassment and other difficult emotions that often accompany IBS and impact work life. Cognitive behavioral therapy is particularly effective.
Best Jobs for People with IBS
Certain types of jobs tend to be better suited for people living with IBS. Here are some of the top jobs for people with IBS:
Work from home jobs
Remote work offers the flexibility to use the bathroom and manage symptoms as needed. Common work from home jobs include virtual assistant, customer service rep, online teacher, programmer, writer, and accountant.
Flexible schedule jobs
Jobs with flexible schedules similarly allow you to work around IBS symptoms. Some examples are freelance designer, consultant, project manager, sales rep, and shift work.
Self-employed jobs
Owning your own business provides control over your schedule and work duties. Possible self-employed jobs include graphic designer, web developer, photographer, tutor, crafter, and consultant.
Administrative jobs
Office-based jobs like administrative assistant, bookkeeper, and data entry clerk involve minimal physical activity and allow access to restrooms.
Work from multiple locations
For jobs requiring travel, work from multiple offices or sites when possible. This gives you access to different restrooms and privacy from coworkers. Jobs like traveling sales rep, PR rep, and consultant often work from multiple locations.
Jobs with private offices
Having your own private office provides easy access to a restroom without drawing attention from coworkers. Jobs like architect, counselor, professor, and engineer often have private offices.
Jobs with autonomy
Jobs that allow you to work independently give you flexibility to manage IBS symptoms on your own schedule. Photographer, truck driver, park ranger, and scientist are examples of autonomous jobs.
Part-time and flexible hour jobs
Working part-time or variable hours allows time to schedule doctors appointments, rest, and manage symptoms. Teacher, retail sales, customer service, construction, delivery driver, and food service are examples of part-time job options.
Conclusion
IBS can create some difficulties in the workplace. However, with proper treatment, lifestyle changes, and job accommodations most people with IBS are certainly capable of succeeding at full time work. Paying attention to triggers, utilizing stress relief techniques, dressing comfortably, and taking medications can help minimize symptoms on the job. Seeking remote work, flexible schedules, private bathrooms, and positions with less pressure are some of the best ways to manage IBS at work. With perseverance and creativity, a fulfilling career is still possible despite having IBS.