IBS

Question 1

What laxative should be avoided in IBS?

Answer 1

Lactulose- can cause bloating

Question 2

What patient groups is IBS most common in?

Answer 2

20-30 year olds and women

Question 3

Lifestyle advice for IBS

Answer 3

Avoid insoluble fibre such as bran and resitant starch e.g., brown rice, wholemeal bread etc
Eat regularly
Exercise regularly
increase soluble fibre intake e.g., oats, pulses

Question 4

Pharmacological treatment for IBS

Answer 4

Bulk-forming laxatives

Question 5

Laxative used in mild-moderate IBS when little response to other laxatives in >12 months?

Answer 5

Linaclotide

Question 6

Antispasmodics used in IBS

Answer 6

Alverine citrate, peppermint oil, mebeverine

Question 7

What class of anti-depressants is used 1st line for abdo pain/ discomfort not responding to other treatments?

Answer 7

TCAs such as amitriptyline

Question 8

What class of anti-depressants is used 2nd line for abdo pain/ discomfort not responding to other treatments?

Answer 8

SSRIs

Question 9

Can be IBS be treated OTC?

Answer 9

ONLY if it has previously been diagnosed by a doctor

Question 10

Symptoms of IBS?

Answer 10

Abdominal pain

Cramps

Diarrhoea

Constipation

Passage of mucus

Bloating

Incomplete evacuation