In this episode of Life Without Leaks, we speak with Dr. Ryan O’Leary, advanced fellow in inflammatory bowel disease, about one of the most disruptive - and misunderstood - GI symptoms: bowel urgency.

Dr. O’Leary breaks down the difference between IBD and IBS, explaining how Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis differ from non-inflammatory bowel conditions, and why some patients can actually have both. He dives into what bowel urgency really is, what’s happening physiologically in the body and why it can significantly impact sleep, work and quality of life.

The conversation explores how urgency can stem from multiple causes, from inflammation to medications to underlying medical conditions, and emphasizes the importance of proper diagnosis. Dr. O’Leary also highlights the encouraging reality that modern treatments for IBD are highly effective, allowing many patients to return to full, active lives.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your symptoms are “normal” or worth bringing up to your doctor, this episode offers clarity, reassurance and practical next steps.

Learn more about a wide range of bowel conditions and get free resources here. 

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Music:
Rainbows Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

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