Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

O Irr i table bowel syndrome (IBS) is a relapsing functional bowel disorder in which abdominal pain or discomfort is associated with defecation or a change in bowel habit. Bloating and distension are often associated. IBS is defined by symptom-based diagnostic criteria, in the absence of detectable organic causes. The symptoms are not specific for IBS. The diagnosis of IBS rarely alters over time, but always be prepared to reconsider the diagnosis if the clinical picture changes. IBS has a significant negative impact on quality of life and social functioning in many patients, but it is not associated with the development of serious disease or with excess mortality.

AetiologyO There is no structural lesion, and no single explanation

has been found to explain the condition. However, it seems to involve abnormal smooth muscle activity ± visceral hypersensitivity, and abnormal central processing of painful stimuli.

O IBS is associated with increased levels of psychiatric distress and poor coping strategies.

O There is evidence of abnormal bowel transit time in affected individuals, suggesting possible disturbed gastrointestinal motility.

O Balloon distension of the bowel in affected individuals leads to perception of pain at lower thresholds than those without it, suggesting some role of the central pain processing system.

O There can be aggregation of the condition in families.

O The primary symptoms of IBS are abdominal pain or discomfort in association with frequent diarrhea or constipation and a change in bowel habits. There may also be urgency for bowel movements, a feeling of incomplete evacuation (tenesmus), bloating, or abdominal distension. In some cases, the symptoms are relieved by bowel movements. People with IBS, more commonly than others, have gastroesophageal reflux, symptoms relating to the genitourinary system,chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, headache, backache, and psychiatric symptoms such as depression and anxiety. About a third of men and women who have IBS also report sexual dysfunction typically in the form of a reduction in libido. Some studies indicate up to 60% of people with IBS also have a psychological disorder, typically anxiety or depression.

Differential diagnosisO Colonic cancer.O Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Crohn's

disease, ulcerative colitis.O Coeliac disease.O Gastroenteritis - eg, giardiasis.O Diverticular disease.O Gynaecological problems - eg, pelvic inflammatory

disease, endometriosis, ovarian tumours.O Anxiety ± depression, somatisation and panic

disorders.

All patients meeting the symptomatic criteria for IBS should have the following investigations:

O FBC.,ESR.CRP.Coeliac screen.CA-125 for women with symptoms which could be ovarian cancer.

O Faecal calprotectin for those with symptoms which could be IBD.

All patients meeting the symptomatic criteria for IBS should have the following investigations:

O FBC.,ESR.CRP.Coeliac screen.CA-125 for women with symptoms which could be ovarian cancer.

O Faecal calprotectin for those with symptoms which could be IBD.