IBS

Question 1

Who is most commonly affected?

Answer 1

Women of child bearing age

Question 2

What is the cause?

Answer 2

Unknown but visceral hypersensitivity, neuromuscular dysfunction, psychological effects may play a role

Often starts following a period of gastroenteritis or stress

Question 3

Other trigger SO

Answer 3

Antibiotic therapy, pelvic surgery, psych stress/trauma, anxiety, depression, eating disorders

Question 4

What is the main symptom of IBS?

Answer 4

Abdominal discomfort relieved on defamation

Question 5

Other symptoms? Name 5…

Answer 5

Altered stool frequency or consistency, the passage of mucous, incomplete defecation, audible bowel sounds, excessive flats or abdominal distension, dyspepsia, dysmenorrhea, nocturia, urinalysis frequency, back pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression

Question 6

Which patients require investigations?

Answer 6

Those older than 45 with altered bowel habit, strong FMH of GI malignancy, rectal bleeding (as this is NOT a symptom of IBS), anaemia, weight loss

Question 7

What investigations would you do for those you are concerned may have malignancy or IBD?

Answer 7

Colonoscopy or barium enema

Question 8

Management?

Answer 8

Reassure patient IBS is benign, high fibre diet, antidepressants, anti spasmodically (peppermint oil), anti diarrhoeals/ bulking agents (depending on stool problem), probiotics

Question 9

Definition?

Answer 9

Mixed group of abdominal symptoms without detectable organic cause