Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Overview

Irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) is a common bowel disorder in which there is abdominal pain associated with defecation or a change in bowel habits. It does not have any organic causes. Nevertheless, IBS is the most common cause of gastrointestinal referral and impaired quality of life. It usually affects young women 2-3 times more often than men.

Signs and Symptoms

Recurrent colicky abdominal pain, Altered bowel habit, Abdominal distension, Rectal mucus, Feeling of incomplete defecation

Common Causes

Problems in digestion, Increased sensitivity of the gut

Risk Factors

Female, Smoking , Alcohol consumption, Age <60 years, Psychological and physical stress

Investigation Techniques

Full blood count, Stool culture, Sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy(in elderly patient)

Treatment and Prevention

Lifestyle and dietary management, Constipation: simple laxatives, linaclotide/lubiprostone, self administered anal irrigation, Diarrhoea: bulking agent(psyllium/polycarbophil), loperamide, Colic/bloating: oral antispasmodic(mebeverine, hyoscine butylbromide), Cognitive behavioral therapy, Gut-directed hypnotherapy, Tricyclics: amitriptyline(low dose for visceral pain)

Psychological Issues

Stress