IBS/constipation/colon polyps Flashcards
What are the general characteristics of IBS?
- Functional disorder without known pathology
- Most common cause of chronic or recurrent abd pain in US
- Intermittent, lifelong problem
- F > M
What is the pathophys of IBS?
- Altered motility
- Hypersensitivity to intestinal distention
- Psychological distress
What are the sxs of IBS?
1. Abd pain A. Hypogastrium B. LLQ 2. Pain worsened w/ food & relieved w/ defecation 3. Postprandial urgency 4. Bowel distention A. Accumulation of gas 5. Constipation, diarrhea or both 6. PE usually normal
What is the ddx for IBS?
- Lactose intolerance
- Cholecystitis
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Intestinal obstruction
- Pancreatic CA
- Stomach cancer
- Celiac disease
What dx studies are used for IBS?
- Dx of exclusion
- Stool for O&P, fecal WBC’s, blood, culture
A. R/O infection - CT w/contrast/Ba enema
A. R/O obstructing mass, pancreatic cancer - Endoscopy
A. R/O celiac disease, stomach cancer - Lactase breath test
A. R/O lactose intolerance
What are the non medical options for treatment of IBS?
- Reassurance
- Strong provider-patient relationship
- Avoidance of known triggers
- High fiber diet
What bulking agents can be used to treat IBS?
- Psyllium / Metamucil
- Methylcellulose / Citrucel
- Calcium Polycarbophil /FiberCon
What antispasmodic meds can be used in IBS?
- Blocks parasympathetic stimulation of gut and reduces GI tone & motility
A. Dicyclomine HCl (Bentyl)
B. Hyoscyamine sulfate (Levsin)
C. Phenobarb/hyoscyamine/atropine/scopolamine (Donnatal)
What anti-diarrheal meds can be used for IBS?
- Opioid Agonists
A. Activate opioid receptors in GI smooth muscle -> inhibits AcH release -> inhibits peristalsis - Includes:
A. Loperamide (Immodium) – opioid analogue
B. Diphenoxylate (Lomotil)
What anti-constipation meds can be used for IBS?
- Increase intestinal fluid secretion & motility
A. Lubiprostone (Amitiza)
B. Linaclotide (Linzess)
What prokinetic meds can be used for IBS?
- Stimulates motility of upper GI tract w/out stimulating gastric, biliary or pancreatic secretions
- Metochlopramide (Reglan) 10 mg po 30 min ac & hs
What are the antidepressants/antidiarrheal drugs used for females with IBS?
- Used in severe cases only, restricted use
- Serotonin (5HT3) receptor agonist
- Slows down GI motility
- Alosetron (Lotronex)
What are the general characteristics of constipation?
- Normal bowel function ranges from 3 stools/day to 3 stools/week
- Decrease in stool volume & increase in stool firmness accompanied by straining
Who should be checked for colon cancer?
Patients > 50 yr with new onset constipation should be evaluated for colon cancer
What is the etiology of primary constipation?
- Anal stricture
- Rectocele
- Rectal prolapse