Irritable bowel syndrome (ibs)

1. Irritable bowel
syndrome (IBS)

2. O Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a
relapsing functional bowel disorder in
which abdominal pain or discomfort is
associated with defecation or a change in
bowel habit. Bloating and distension are often
associated. IBS is defined by symptom-based
diagnostic criteria, in the absence of detectable
organic causes. The symptoms are not specific
for IBS.The diagnosis of IBS rarely alters over
time, but always be prepared to reconsider the
diagnosis if the clinical picture changes. IBS
has a significant negative impact on quality of
life and social functioning in many patients, but
it is not associated with the development of
serious disease or with excess mortality.

3. Aetiology
O There is no structural lesion, and no single explanation
has been found to explain the condition. However, it
seems to involve abnormal smooth muscle activity ±
visceral hypersensitivity, and abnormal central processing
of painful stimuli.
O IBS is associated with increased levels of psychiatric
distress and poor coping strategies.
O There is evidence of abnormal bowel transit time in
affected individuals, suggesting possible disturbed
gastrointestinal motility.
O Balloon distension of the bowel in affected individuals
leads to perception of pain at lower thresholds than those
without it, suggesting some role of the central pain
processing system.
O There can be aggregation of the condition in families.

4. O The primary symptoms of IBS are abdominal pain or
discomfort in association with frequent diarrhea or
constipation and a change in bowel habits. There may
also be urgency for bowel movements, a feeling of
incomplete evacuation (tenesmus), bloating,
or abdominal distension.In some cases, the symptoms
are relieved by bowel movements. People with IBS, more
commonly than others, have gastroesophageal reflux,
symptoms relating to the genitourinary system,chronic
fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, headache, backache,
and psychiatric symptoms such as depression
and anxiety.About a third of men and women who have
IBS also report sexual dysfunction typically in the form of
a reduction in libido. Some studies indicate up to 60% of
people with IBS also have a psychological disorder,
typically anxiety or depression.

5. Differential diagnosis
O Colonic cancer.
O Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Crohn's
disease, ulcerative colitis.
O Coeliac disease.
O Gastroenteritis - eg, giardiasis.
O Diverticular disease.
O Gynaecological problems - eg, pelvic inflammatory
disease, endometriosis, ovarian tumours.
O Anxiety ± depression, somatisation and panic
disorders.

6. All patients meeting the symptomatic criteria for
IBS should have the following investigations:
O FBC.,ESR.CRP.Coeliac screen.CA-125 for
women with symptoms which could be
ovarian cancer.
O Faecal calprotectin for those with symptoms
which could be IBD.

7. All patients meeting the symptomatic criteria for
IBS should have the following investigations:
O FBC.,ESR.CRP.Coeliac screen.CA-125 for
women with symptoms which could be
ovarian cancer.
O Faecal calprotectin for those with symptoms
which could be IBD.