Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Symptoms, Diagnosis of IBS.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

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   Overview
   Pathophysiology
   Clinical Features
   Diagnosis
   Management
      Pharmacotherapy
      Diet Recommendations
      Psychotherapy and Behavioral Techniques

Overview of IBS
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a GI disorder characterized by abdominal pain and discomfort associated with altered bowel habits that are not explained by any mechanical, biochemical or inflammatory cause.Highly prevalent in the western population, studies had revealed that IBS affects approximately 10–15% of the general population and has a large impact on quality of life and healthcare costs.¹

A motility disorder of the GI tract, IBS is essentially functional in nature with definite psychosomatic basis. The etiology and pathophysiology of IBS is considered to be multifactorial. The severity of the symptoms and their effects on the patient’s quality of life guide the diagnosis and management of IBS. The diagnosis depends on the symptoms and exclusion of the related pathological diseases.

The standard therapy of IBS generally involves a symptom-directed approach, which includes antidiarrheal agents for bowel frequency, soluble fiber or laxatives for constipation and smooth muscle relaxants and antispasmodics for pain.²

Pathophysiology (How IBS Developes)
Read more about the causes of IBS...

Clinical Features(Symptoms of IBS)
Read more about the symptoms of IBS...

Diagnosis of IBS
Effective history taking is the key to the diagnosis of IBS. The diagnosis should be based on positivefindings rather than on investigationsto exclude other disorders. Current evidence does not support the routine use of blood
Read more about the diagnosis of IBS...

Management of IBS
The treatment approach of IBS depends on the intensity of symptoms and the degree of other comorbid conditions. Initial treatment should include reassurance, stress management and relaxation techniques. Further
Read more about the management of IBS...

Healthy Diet Treats Irritable Bowel Syndrome Effectively

Irritable bowel syndrome, commonly referred as IBS, is a disorder in which intestines squeeze not hard enough or too hard enough to cause food to move either too slowly or too quickly through intestines. The disorder is greatly
Read more about the diet for IBS...

Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: January 30,2009

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References

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Cash BD, Chey WD. Irritable bowel syndrome - An evidence-based approach to diagnosis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2004; 19(12): 1235–1245.
North CS, Hong BA, Alpers DH. Relationship of functional gastrointestinal disorders and psychiatric disorders: Implications for treatment. World J Gastroenterol. 2007; 13: 2020–2027.
Cremonini F, Talley NJ. Diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in the irritable bowel syndrome. Minerva Med. 2004; 95(5): 427–441.
Chang HY, Kelly EC, Lembo AJ. Current gut-directed therapies for irritable bowel syndrome. Curr Treat Options Gastroenterol.2006; 9(4): 314–323.
Spiller P. Review article: Probiotics and prebiotics in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2008 Jun 4. (Epub ahead of print).
Drisko J, Bischoff B, Hall M, McCallum R. Treating irritable bowel syndrome with a food elimination diet followed by food challenge and probiotics. J Am Coll Nutr. 2006; 25(6): 514–522.