High-Yield Concepts in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Gastrointestinal Diseases)

Question 1

Key symptom / prerequisite clinical feature for the aiagnosis of IBS

Answer 1

Abdominal pain or discomfort

Question 2

Most consistent clinical feature in IBS

Answer 2

Altered bowel habits (most common pattern is constipation alternating with diarrhea)

Question 3

Laboratory features that argue against IBS

Answer 3

Evidence of anemia
Elevated sedimentation rate
Presence of leukocytes or blood in stool
Stool volume > 200-300 mL/day

Question 4

best management for postprandial pain

Answer 4

Antispasmodics 30 minutes before meals

Question 5

Initial therapy of choice for IBS-D (Diarrhea Predominant)

Answer 5

Peripherally acting opiate-based agents

Question 6

Only antibiotic for IBS with sustained benefit beyond therapy cessation

Answer 6

Rifaximin