IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

Common condition that affects the digestive system

Question 2

Aetiology

Answer 2

Exact aetiology is unknown

has been linked to things like food passing through your gut too quickly or too slowly, oversensitive nerves in your gut, stress and family history of IBS

Question 3

Epidemiology

Answer 3

Affecting 10-30% of the population worldwide (1 in 5 report symptoms)

Question 4

Risk factors

Answer 4

Some factors that can trigger the onset of IBS:
– affective disorders like depression or anxiety
– psychological stress and trauma
– GI infection
– Antibiotic therapy
– Sexual, physical or verbal abuse
– pelvic surgery
– eating disorders

Question 5

Clinical presentation

Answer 5

Common symptoms:
– stomach pain or cramps- usually after eating and better after doing a poo
– bloating- tummy may feel uncomfortable and swollen
– diarrhoea
– constipation
– sensation of incomplete evacuation

May be flare ups some days where these symptoms are worse, they may be triggered by food and drink

Non-GI features:
- gynaecological symptoms:
— painful periods
— pain following sexual intercourse

• urinary symptoms:
  — frequency
  — urgency
  — passing during at night
  — incomplete emptying of the bladder

Other symptoms:
— joint hyper mobility
— back pain
— headaches
— bad breath, unpleasant test in the mouth
— poor sleeping
— fatigue

Coexists with:
— fatigue syndrome
— fibromyalgia
— TMJ dysfunction

Question 6

Different types of IBS based on stool pattern

Answer 6

IBS with constipation (IBS-C)

IBS with diarrhoea (IBS-D)

Mixed IBS (IBS-M)

Unsubtyped IBS

Question 7

Prognosis

Answer 7

There is no cure, but diet changes and medicines can often help control the symptoms

Usually a lifelong problem. Can be very frustrating to live with and can have a big impact on your everyday life.