5 things you should not say to someone with a chronic digestive issue



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Digestive issues can range from common, such as acid reflux and indigestion to chronic and often debilitating diseases as Crohn's disease (inflammation of the digestive tract that causes lifelong symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal cramps); irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); coeliac disease (severe intolerance to gluten); and a number of other conditions.

While people who experience constant digestive issues may be symptom-free for all the symptoms of chronic pain, it may be difficult to affect one's quality of life – at home, socially and at work.

If you have a friend or someone who suffers from a digestive illness, you might be tempted to give some advice. Here are some things you should not do

1. I know someone who suffers from IBS and she's on the xyz diet. She is fine now. '

You want to give advice and have the best of intentions. But what you should know is that they've been doing a long list of treatments. Their food choices are limited, and what works for one person might not work for another. Only a medical professional working on a specific case has the necessary insight to suggest or prescribe treatments.

Rather say: "I know someone who suffers from IBS and they did the following. I understand how hard it is to find a treatment that works. "

2. 'Come on, surely you can come out for one drink / meal / concert. It can not be that bad. '

If you've never experienced such debilitating and often embarrbading symptoms – such as crippling abdominal pain, nausea or diarrhea – can start flaring up, it's likely that you do not understand that the challenge of not knowing where the closest A bathroom with a toilet and a bathroom.

People who suffer from a chronic digestive tract. They could also experience a lot of underlying fatigue.

Rather say: "See how you feel on the day, but you are welcome to join in any time!"

3. I also feel bloated after eating pizza! I get it. '

Mild food intolerance and the occasional bout of indigestion can not be compared to the symptoms of conditions like coeliac disease. Be wary of comparing your symptoms to theirs.

Rather say: "This must be really tough for you."

4. 'But you have not had any symptoms for months! Are you sure it has not gone away? '

Symptoms connected to a chronic digestive condition can come and go, making it hard to manage. Can be able to work out the triggers, but a flare-up can still be hard to predict. Just because someone does not look sick, it does not mean that the disease is not still there.

Rather say: "I understand how things can be, but I'm here to help!"

5. 'Shame man, I understand what you're going through! I had a stomach bug last week. '

While you do not mean any harm, do not do it. While a common digestive illness may be a nasty experience, it is a one-off – and people with IBS may suffer for years.

Rather say: "If I feel so horrible from a stomach bug, I can only imagine what you should be going through on a regular basis."

Image credit: iStock

Marelize Wilke

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