Abstract
• 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.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 32-40 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Medicine Today |
Volume | 11 |
Issue number | 2 |
Publication status | Published - Feb 2010 |