Managing irritable bowel syndrome

• IBS is a common, lifelong functional gastrointestinal disorder in which the hallmarks are abdominal pain associated with changes in bowel habit (stool form and/or frequency). • A positive diagnosis of IBS is made clinically by identifying the typical symptom complex. • A diagnosis of IBS requires at least six months of symptoms, with the patient having had three days of symptoms monthly for the past three months. • Organic pathology can usually be simply excluded by the recognition of alarm features. • Of those patients with IBS, 50% have coexistent depression/anxiety symptoms that should be sought and addressed. • Management of IBS should be biopsychosocial and Individualised, with options ranging from reassurance, education, dietary modifications and psychological interventions to a variety of medications aimed at controlling exacerbating symptoms. 40.