GI disease suspicious/ classical features

Question 1

IBS

Answer 1

Consider if reports (for >6month duration):

• abdo pain and/or
• bloating and/or
• change in bowel habit

Positive diagnosis should be made if have abdo pain relieved by defecation or associated with altered bowel frequency stool form, in addition to 2 of: altered stool passage, abdo bloating/distension, tension/hardness, symptoms worse on eating, passage of mucus

Question 2

Colorectal cancer red flags

Answer 2

Rectal bleeding
Unexplained weight loss
FHx of bowel (or ovarian?) cancer
Onset >60

Question 3

C. diff infection

Answer 3

Causes pseudomembranous colitis

Recent broad-spectrum antibiotics (esp cephalosporins - clindamycin, cefaclor)