Clinical nurse specialist CNS
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Individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) experience similar symptoms; however, individuals with IBD have alterations in their digestive tract and an increased probability of developing colorectal cancer, whereas individuals with IBS do not. Although not well documented within the literature, individuals with gastrointestinal (GI) disorders may engage in adverse behaviors regarding their intake of food, regardless of the fact that the "offending agents" have been identified. Further study into these negative behaviors is warranted for healthcare professionals to be provided with a better understanding of the behaviors that individuals with GI disorders knowingly engage in, despite the negative consequences. ⋯ Semistructured interviews with women diagnosed with IBD and IBS revealed that all women felt governed by their bowels to varying degrees. In addition, all women within this sample knowingly engaged in behaviors concerning food/beverages that had the potential to be detrimental to their conditions. A myriad of reasons were given for consuming foods/beverages. Implications for nursing practitioners are discussed.