Irritable Bowel Syndrome Flashcards
what is irritable bowel syndrome
functional disorder characterised by abdominal pain/ discomfort with 2 of the following;
abnormal stool passage, bloating, worse after eating, passing mucus
how long does someone need to have had symptoms for to be diagnosed with IBS
6 months or more
what causes IBS
unknown aetiology
could be to do with gut motility issues, inflammatory, genetic, immune, psychological, and dietary components
why is there pain in IBS and what relieves it
no structural abnormalities can explain the presence of pain however, defection relieves it
what intolerances can give IBS like symptoms
lactose intolerance (most common among population)
what are the presenting symptoms in someone with IBS
symptoms for longer than 6 months,
altered bowel habits (>3 per day or <3 per week)
colicky abdominal pain (lower abdomen)- relived by defeacation or passing flatus
tenesmus
abdominal bloating
altered stool consistency (may have mucus)
what red flag symptoms MUST be screened for
rectal bleeding, weight loss, anaemia, late onset (>60)
what mental health disorder is a risk for IBS
PTSD
what investigations need to be done for the diagnosis of IBS
FBC (to rule out anaemia)
faecal occult blood test to make sure there’s no blood in poo
LFTs
U&Es
ultrasound (rules out gallstones etc)
how to treat IBS (in constipated patients)
lifestyle and dietary modifications
laxatives
for persistent constipation; Lubiprostone, linaclotide, or plecanatide
what are some life-style and dietary changes that need to be made
Possible precipitating substances such as caffeine, lactose, or fructose may need to be eliminated from the diet
elimination of stress
how to treat IBS (diarrhoea patients)
lifestyle and dietary changes
antidiarrhoeal tablets (MUST BE MONITORED)
As stress can be a precipitating factor for IBS, how can this be tackled
SSRIs antidepressants and psychotherapy
prognosis of IBS
no long term complications, however can get worse with emotional stress or dietary changes
