IBS

Question 1

What is IBS?

Answer 1

Irritable bowel syndrome

Chronic condition characterised by abdominal pain associated with bowel dysfunction

Question 2

What is the pathophysiology of IBS?

Answer 2

Dysfunction with motor and sensory parts of the GI tract

Gut hypersensitivity

Question 3

What are risk factors for IBS?

Answer 3

Physical/sexual abuse
<50 years
Female
Previous enteric infection

Question 4

What are the symptoms of IBS?

Answer 4

Abdominal discomfort
Painful defecation
Change in bowel habits
Abdominal bloating

Question 5

What are the investigations for suspected IBS?

Answer 5

FBC
- check for anaemia

Stool studies
- if diarrhoea check for infection

Anti-TTG antibodies
- rule out coeliac disease

Flexi sig
- differentiate between IBS + IBD

Colonoscopy

• > 50
• FHx of malignancy

Question 6

How is IBS managed?

Answer 6

Laxatives
Anti-diarrhoeals

Lifestyle/dietary modification

Question 7

What lifestyle advice is given to patients with IBS?

Answer 7

Stress reduction
Remove triggers
Addition of fibre to diet
PRobiotics

Question 8

What are common triggers for IBS?

Answer 8

Caffeine
Lactose
Fructose
Gluten