Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Question 1

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Answer 1

Chronic abdominal pain or discomfort and altered bowel patterns causing diarrhea and/or constipation

Question 2

GI symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Answer 2

Urgency 
Sensation of incomplete evacuation
Diarrhea or constipation 
Bloating 
Abdominal pain

Question 3

NonGI symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Answer 3

Fatigue
Headache
Sleep disturbance

Question 4

What is a major trigger for Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Answer 4

Stress and anxiety

Question 5

What do you have to find out before treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Answer 5

Predominant symptom (Diarrhea, Constipation, Pain)

Question 6

What dietary changes do you have to make if you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Answer 6

• Food diary with elimination pattern
• Eliminate simple refined sugars
• Eliminate Fructose & Lactose
• Eliminate gas producing foods (Brown beans, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, raw onions, grapes, plums, raisins)

Question 7

Psychological factors that can help Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Answer 7

Cognitive behavioral therapy
Stress management techniques
Regular exercise (decrease bloating/constipation and reduce stress)

Question 8

Alosetron (Lotronex)

Answer 8

Severe pain and diarrhea in women (major life disruption)
SE: Severe constipation, Ischemic colitis
Only use if have not responded to other IBS therapies due to serious side effects

Question 9

What do you have to teach a patient who is taking Alosetron (Lotronex) ?

Answer 9

Discontinue the drug and contact HCP for any constipation, rectal bleeding, bloody diarrhea, or abdominal pain